DataVita’s North Lanarkshire site has been officially designated a UK AI Growth Zone, securing £8.2 billion in private investment for the region. This represents one of the largest technology investments ever announced in Scotland.
The development brings together three connected elements: 500MW of AI-ready data centre capacity, more than 1GW of privately wired renewable energy infrastructure, and purpose-built Innovation Parks aimed at attracting next-generation industries. In total, more than 3,400 jobs will be created over the coming years, spanning construction, data centre operations, renewable energy, and AI-related roles.
AI-Ready Data Centres
DataVita is developing 500MW of hyperscale data centre capacity designed specifically for AI workloads. The facilities will operate using closed-loop cooling systems with near-zero water consumption and are expected to achieve a power usage effectiveness (PUE) of 1.15, placing them among the most energy-efficient data centres in the sector.
Renewable Energy Parks
More than 1GW of renewable energy capacity, including wind, solar, and battery storage, will be delivered through private wire connections directly linked to the data centres. The system will be grid positive, exporting excess clean energy back to the national grid. Power costs are expected to remain below 10p per kWh, with carbon intensity under 5 gCO₂e per kWh, which is 97% lower than the London grid average.
Innovation Parks
The development will also include dedicated Innovation Parks, providing physical infrastructure for emerging industries. Facilities will include laboratory space, robotics research environments, and advanced manufacturing units. These parks are designed to attract companies and researchers who require close access to large-scale AI compute, creating an ecosystem where the anchor investment supports new businesses and generates hundreds of additional jobs in the region.
Community Fund and Local Investment
A central part of the project is a commitment to deliver long-term benefits for local communities. A Community Fund will provide up to £543 million to North Lanarkshire over the next 15 years. This funding will support skills and training programmes, local charities, and community initiatives.
The fund will be overseen by an independent board with local representation, ensuring decisions on spending are community-led. Additional commitments include 50 apprenticeships and the creation of an AI Venture Fund to support Scottish startups.
Sustainability
The AI Growth Zone is expected to be one of the most sustainable AI infrastructure developments globally. Renewable energy generation will exceed the energy consumed by the data centres, making the system grid positive. Carbon intensity will be 97% lower than other major UK data centre hubs, alongside almost zero water waste.
Statements
Technology Secretary Liz Kendall said:
“Today’s announcement is about creating good jobs, backing innovation and making sure the benefits AI will bring can be felt across the community – that’s how the UK government is delivering real change for the people of Scotland. From thousands of new jobs and billions in investment through to support for local people and their families, AI Growth Zones are bringing generation-defining opportunity to all corners of the country.”
Danny Quinn, Managing Director of DataVita, said:
“Scotland has everything AI needs – the talent, the green energy, and now the infrastructure. But this goes beyond the physical build. We’re creating innovation parks, new energy infrastructure, and attracting inward investment from some of the world’s leading technology companies. This is a real opportunity for North Lanarkshire, and we want to make sure local people share in it. The £543 million community fund means the benefits stay here – good jobs, new skills, and investment that actually reaches the people who live and work in this area.”
For more information about the North Lanarkshire AI Growth Zone, visit www.datavita.co.uk/lanarkshire-ai-growth-zone