Microsoft gets the go-ahead
Leeds City Council has unanimously approved the 424,000 sq ft hyperscale data centre complex at Skelton Grange.
Microsoft is seeking full permission for three large data centre buildings totalling 424,000 sq ft, alongside outline proposals for a warehouse and distribution facility measuring 160,000 sq ft.
Supported by planner Savills, the project team also includes architect TTSP, and engineering consultants HDR and Ramboll.
The site at Skelton Grange was bought from Harworth in a high-profile summer 2024 deal, with a deal for around £107m agreed for 65 acres. The deal for the first half of that land has now been completed.
Harworth will retain 16-acres at the Skelton Grange site, which will comprise 250,000 sq ft of employment space, in addition to 77-acres owned through the Aire Valley Land joint venture.
The site sits on the north-east bank of the River Aire and is accessed via Skelton Grange Road and bridge.
The Microsoft-backed scheme represents a significant addition to the region’s digital infrastructure pipeline, underlining growing demand for large-scale data capacity in West Yorkshire.
It follows on from a consultation with the council in February, where the only negative feedback around the development was the councillors felt more extensive landscaping was required – an issue that they have been reassured will be addressed.
