Data Centre, Hayes (UP1)

The brief:

As principal contractor we constructed 18 Data Halls of approximately 1250m2 each, to be deployed at approximately 24MW of total useable IT power. Part of the development included the construction of an adjacent High Voltage Electrical Compound. This was linked to a Medium Voltage Energy Centre with dual backup power generation. The building mass consists of a series of staggered blocks, surrounded by an internal one-way circulation system with both soft and hard landscaping.

The MV Energy Centres are located either side of North Hyde Gardens are smaller in scale providing a stepping down appearance towards the Grand Union Canal. The HV Energy Centre is located to the east of the MV Energy Centre to the side of North Hyde Gardens. A single storey Visitor Reception Centre enabling security protocols for visitors and employees is located near North Hyde Gardens.

Key challenges:

• Brownfield site with live main sewer below, bordering rail lines into London, River Crane, canal and road network
• Significant logistics, delivery and storage constrictions
• Challenging programme and key date deliveries for Alliance Partners
• Design changes throughout the project to adapt to end client requirements

The solution:

• Close collaboration and engagement between the Alliance Partners.
• The use of specialist Tier 1 sub-contractors.
• In depth forward planning and co-ordination of work areas, deliveries and logistics.