QTS has officially begun enabling works on its new Cambois data centre campus in Northumberland
Work has begun on QTS’s Cambois data centre campus following recent planning approval from Northumberland County Council, marking the first stage in delivering a new landmark for the UK’s digital infrastructure.
The project has earned National Skills Academy for Construction (NSAfC) status from the CITB — the first time a new-build data centre has achieved the accreditation — setting a new national standard for training and workforce development in large-scale construction.
Supported by investment funds managed by Blackstone affiliates, the scheme positions the North East as a key player in the UK’s fast-growing data centre and AI economy.
The enabling works now underway will see the 200-acre site prepared for full construction, including major civil engineering, utilities and drainage installation, access infrastructure, and foundation works.
Kim McGuinness, Mayor of the North East, said: “AI will be transformational for our communities. It will create thousands of jobs for local people while allowing the North East to lead the way in tech innovations. That’s why we’re wasting no time in building the technology of the future, today.
“Just two weeks ago we announced £30 billion investment to make the North East the country’s first AI Growth Zone. We’ve wasted no time and work is already underway to get the world-class data centres up and running so we can make sure there are opportunities for local people as quickly as possible.”
Glen Sanderson, Leader of Northumberland County Council, said: “Today marks a huge step forward towards realising the massive benefits and opportunities this scheme will bring – not just for this area, but the whole county and the wider region.
“This is a multi-billion-pound vote of confidence in Northumberland – bringing jobs, cutting-edge technology and a massive investment in our future. With the enabling works underway, we’re looking forward to construction starting on the ground in the near future.”
Social Value Programme
QTS also introduced its Social Value Programme, outlining commitments to deliver measurable benefits across employment, skills, and environmental performance throughout the build. Key targets include:
- 1,000+ new jobs, with a goal of filling 50% from within the local area.
- Over 100 apprenticeships and training positions, plus 150 paid internships and 200 work placements, including 100 ‘T-Level’ technical placements.
- Upskilling initiatives through accredited courses, events, and on-site training to strengthen the regional construction workforce.
- Local procurement strategy to maximise engagement with SMEs and North East-based contractors and suppliers.
Tag Greason, Co-CEO at QTS, said: “QTS is thrilled to have officially started work on the site of our data centre campus. While this is the first step in a long journey, it is a visible milestone of progress made possible by the support of the local community and Northumberland County Council.
“We want to have a lasting positive impact on the North East, which is why we’ve announced our commitment to create more than a thousand new jobs – boosting the skills of hundreds of local people in the coming years.”
Kanishka Narayan, AI Minister, said: “When we said this would create new opportunities for people in the North East, we meant it. Within weeks of announcing, work on the site is already starting – creating new routes for young people to move into employment. That includes hundreds of apprenticeships, placements and internships – as well as fresh opportunities for local businesses so the whole community gets behind this effort.
“By attracting investment, putting researchers within touching distance of tech that will lead to major breakthroughs and backing the North East as an AI powerhouse, we’re delivering real change for generations to come.”
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