Thames Valley Park Data Centre
We are proposing to develop a circa 72MW IT data centre on the site of the Microsoft Campus, Thames Valley Park, Reading, RG6 1WG.
Our emerging proposals would provide a viable long-term future for the existing underused office campus, responding to falling demand for office space while supporting the area’s business cluster and strengthening its economic future. The site extends to approximately 5.3 hectares and benefits from strong transport links via the A329(M), M4 corridor and nearby rail connections.
What Data Centres do
The UK Government has identified digital infrastructure as a key driver of economic growth and designated data centres as Critical National Infrastructure. This recognises their importance to the country’s economy and resilience, placing them alongside essential services such as water, energy and transport.
A data centre is a secure facility that houses the computer systems and digital infrastructure that store, process and deliver data for the services we use every day. Inside, thousands of servers, networking equipment and storage devices work continuously to power websites, apps, cloud services, streaming platforms, online banking, healthcare systems and much more.
As our reliance on digital services grows, more data centre capacity is needed as they play an increasingly vital role in keeping modern life connected, efficient and running 24/7.
Local Benefits
Supporting jobs during construction and operation: The proposals are expected to support up to 245 construction jobs and at least 115 full-time equivalent roles in Wokingham once operational. Each Data Centre role is estimated by techUK to support 1.4 to 2.5 additional jobs in the wider economy.
Generating funding for local services: The development would generate business rates that could be reinvested in local services.
Delivering major construction investment: The project would deliver over ÂŁ200m of construction investment, supporting economic activity across the region.
Strengthening Wokingham’s business and innovation offer: Investment in digital infrastructure will help strengthen Wokingham’s appeal to businesses across sectors such as health, telecommunications and technology. With major international companies such as Sanofi already recognising the area’s potential, the proposals would help build on this momentum and further enhance Wokingham’s role as a growing business and innovation hub.
Reusing heat: Opportunities to reuse heat for nearby businesses are being assessed.
Boosting biodiversity: The development would deliver at least 10% Biodiversity Net Gain.
Thames Valley Park as a Prime Economic Growth Area
Thames Valley Park has been one of the UK’s leading technology clusters outside of London since the late 1980’s. The development of this data centre would strengthen the existing nationally significant digital cluster, while supporting the businesses which are already located in the Thames Valley, aiding the economic growth of the region.
National Policy
The UK Government recognises data centres as critical digital infrastructure that supports the delivery and transformation of public services, economic growth, and the UK’s ambitions in artificial intelligence and cloud computing. Current national policy aims to accelerate investment in digital infrastructure through planning reform, improved access to electricity infrastructure, and reflecting the strategic importance of data centres to the growth of the UK economy and digital resilience. This proposal would align with the wider objective of the UK Government of increasing UK digital capacity.
Public Consultation Event
We want to listen to communities thoughts on our proposals, which is why we are holding a consultation event in Sonning.
The consultation event will be held on the 7th of July 2026, from 3 pm until 7 pm at Pearson Hall, Sonning, Berkshire, RG4 6UL.
The purpose of this consultation event is to hear feedback on the proposals from residents and to learn how our community benefit fund could be used in the local community.
The Project Team
BCS Consultancy is the Project Manager for the site. We manage every stage of the data centre lifecycle, bringing land, utilities and delivery together with clarity and control.
Arup is the Planning Consultant for the project, providing strategic planning advice and national expertise to help guide the design, assessment and delivery of complex development and infrastructure projects.
Hilson Moran are interdisciplinary consultants, engineers and advisors delivering resilient, efficient and sustainable data centres. We combine power, infrastructure, sustainability and digital expertise to create future-ready facilities that support the world’s growing digital demands.
Alpaca Communications is an agency supporting developers with public consultation and community engagement for resilient infrastructure projects, including renewable energy, digital and water.
Twelve Architects & Masterplanners are the Architect for the project. We have experience across multiple sectors, including a number of data centre projects across the globe, shaped by a strong design-led approach.