Real estate firm investing in new data centre in Blackpool

A Singapore-based real estate firm is to open a new data centre in Blackpool.

Elite UK REIT has secured planning permission for the new development at Peel Park in Blackpool.

The planning application was submitted as part of Blackpool’s Growth and Prosperity programme, which includes development projects in the Blackpool Airport Enterprise Zone as well as the Talbot Gateway Central Business District.

The centre will be built on an undeveloped 20-acre plot on the site, next to offices leased to the Department for Work and Pensions ( DWP).
Elite is a REIT (Real Estate Investment Trust) whose business activities involve acquiring real estate and related assets in the United Kingdom. 

It is notable for having over 99% of its portfolio leased to the UK government, primarily providing critical social infrastructure to the DWP.

The site is close to the M55 and benefits from strategic connectivity and proximity to subsea fibre-optic infrastructure, capable of transmitting over 95–99% of international data,

Joshua Liaw, chief executive officer of Elite UK REIT, said the planning permission meant Elite was in a strong position to actively explore various strategic options for Peel Park to maximise value for its customers.

He added that, with demand for artificial intelligence and cloud-based technologies continuing to grow, the prospect of a proposed data centre in Peel Park, Blackpool was exciting.

He said the project supported regional economic development, inward investment and the objectives of the nearby Blackpool Airport Enterprise Zone.

It has not yet been divulged how many new jobs will result from the development.