Tall data centres could go next to film studios

One of the designs put forward in 2023 for Wycombe Film Studios

Huge data centres up to 23.5m (77ft) high could be built on the site of a planned film studio.

Wycombe Park Ltd – formerly known as Wycombe Film Studios – submitted new plans to Buckinghamshire Council, saying "market conditions for the new studio space are uncertain".

The council approved the TV and film studios in March 2023, which would sit on a corner of Wycombe Air Park next to the M40.

The data centres, which are essentially big warehouses for IT, telecoms equipment and computer server racks, would serve the film studios.

One sound stage has already been constructed on the site, and the latest plans would see seven more built along with 10 workshops, four production buildings, a rehearsal space and other facilities.

At this stage, only outline plans for the data centres are being submitted by Wycombe Park Ltd, owned by Luxembourg-based investment firm SCIO Capital.

Some proposed details are specified, including that the data centres may be up to 20.5m (67ft) high, with rooftop plant equipment potentially taking their maximum height to 23.5m (77ft).

However, the plans stress that proposed buildings will not occupy the entire developable area, with a 'step down' in building height limits proposed closest to the residential area at Claymoor Park.

The 26-acre (11-hectare) site just off the M40 is in the corner of Wycombe Air Park

A masterplan that is not part of the outline application shows six data halls, each with an approximate floor area of 9,300 sq m (110,100 sq ft), according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

However, the applicant pointed out this was included merely as an illustrative example.

The plans also say there will be 'strong' landscaping around the edge of the development such as new trees and an 'earth bund' to provide screening.

Architecture firm LEAD Studio's plans state: "Due to substantial market demand our client has decided to submit this additional application for data centre use, with the brief of creating potential for an optimised, open, campus-style development."