The Proposed Development
The site is in Thames Valley Business Park, an area identified by Wokingham Borough Council for growth and investment. The proposals align with local planning policy and would support the area’s long-term economic prosperity.
We are seeing a downward trend in demand for office space in the area. Our proposed data centre represents a viable long-term use for the site as data centres are critical for the modern economy and central to the UK Government’s economic growth plans. It will help attract businesses seeking access to digital capacity and connectivity, reinforcing Thames Valley Park’s position as a leading business location.
As the site is in an existing business park, it would be situated within an already built-up environment, helping to limit its visibility and wider visual impacts.
Data centres play an increasingly important role in strengthening the UK’s data sovereignty. By providing domestic capacity to store and process sensitive information, they reduce reliance on overseas infrastructure and help ensure UK data is managed under UK laws, security standards and oversight.
Power, Cooling and Sustainability
Our proposals include using fuel cells as an on-site energy solution while additional grid capacity is brought forward. The project team will continue to review opportunities to increase the use of grid electricity as capacity becomes available. The fuel cells would use natural gas to produce electricity through a chemical reaction rather than through conventional combustion, reducing carbon emissions and enabling this critical infrastructure to support the UK’s growing digital economy.
The fuel cells will be future-fuel ready, meaning they can adapt as the gas network becomes greener and lower-carbon fuels, such as biomethane and hydrogen, become more widely available. The project team is actively exploring carbon offsetting options, including supporting biogas generation projects.
During operation, the data centre will use air-based cooling, rather than water-based cooling, helping to minimise water demand. There will be an initial need for water to set up the fuel cell technology.
The project team is actively assessing opportunities to reuse heat generated by the data centre to heat nearby businesses. This could help reduce the energy costs of the data centre, whilst supporting the long- term economic viability of the surrounding area.
Timeline
7th of July 2026 - 3 pm - 7 pm
Public consultation event at Pearson Hall, Pearson Road, Sonning, Reading, RG4 6UL.
Autumn 2026
Planning Application Submission
2031 onwards
Operation
February 2026 - July 2026
Pre-application engagement with Wokingham Borough Council planning officers
July 2026 - August 2026
Public consultation period
2027 - 2031
Construction
