Platform DC has submitted a planning application for a 260,000 sq ft data centre on the former Unilever laundry soap manufacturing site next to Warrington Bank Quay train station.

The company unveiled the proposals last year and has now formally lodged them with Warrington Council.

Site clearance for data centre development

The scheme would support artificial intelligence computing, high-performance computing, cloud services, digital infrastructure, and business data processing. Platform DC has former Warrington Council directors John Laverick and Steve Park on its payroll.

The factory site, which ceased operations in 2020, has been cleared by PP O'Connor ahead of construction.

Chief executive's response

Platform DC chief executive Neil Rustage said: "The proposed Warrington Bank Quay development represents an exciting opportunity to bring a former industrial landmark back into productive use, building on Warrington's proud manufacturing heritage while creating a new role for the site in the digital economy.

"As demand for artificial intelligence and digital infrastructure continues to grow, we believe Warrington is well placed to benefit from this investment, with the potential to create skilled jobs, support local businesses, and develop training opportunities for local people."

He added, "We also recognise the importance of ensuring that the benefits of development are felt within the surrounding community. Through our proposed social value programme, we want to work with local residents, community organisations, schools, and businesses to identify opportunities for meaningful, long-term investment.

"Our planning application is an important first step, and we look forward to the proposal being considered through Warrington Council's planning process."

Design and sustainability features

The data centre would be partly powered by on-site fuel cells, reducing reliance on the grid. A closed-loop cooling system would be used to keep the technology cool.

According to Platform DC, the proposal would create between 20 and 30 jobs.

Local opposition

The plans are not universally popular locally. A petition set up in opposition has garnered more than 4,000 signatures since June.

Track UK's Data Center Boom Before Your Competitors Do

What if the next hyperscale data center contract in the United Kingdom went to someone who saw the opportunity coming a year earlier? With cloud adoption, AI workloads, and edge computing driving unprecedented demand, the UK's data center pipeline is expanding faster than ever, and the winners are those with early, reliable intelligence.

The Global Project Tracking (GPT) platform by Blackridge Research gives you real-time visibility into data center developments across the United Kingdom, from planning-stage announcements to final handovers. Identify opportunities, monitor tender activity, and position your business exactly where growth is happening.

Whether you're a contractor, equipment supplier, investor, or service provider, staying ahead of the region's fastest-growing infrastructure sector starts with the right data.

• Upcoming Projects

• Tender Notices

• Contract Awards

• Projects Under Construction

• Completed Projects

Book a Free Demo today and discover how the Global Project Tracking (GPT) platform by Blackridge Research can transform your approach to the UK data center market.