Carbon-friendly centre to create thousands of jobs

Concept artwork of how Silicon Sands could look

Plans for a carbon-friendly data centre and 20,000 sq ft (1,860 sq m) office and research space in Blackpool are to be submitted before Christmas.

Silicon Sands, in the resort's Enterprise Zone, would be powered by renewable energy, use liquid immersion cooling to improve efficiency and re-use heat to act as an energy source for other properties.

It would also take advantage of the undersea transatlantic fibre cables which connect the UK to the US and Northern Europe.

Councillor Mark Smith, cabinet member for economy and built environment at Blackpool Council, said the scheme "can create thousands of well-paid jobs, attract investment, and put us at the forefront of sustainable digital development".

Reuse waste heat

He said: "We are carefully managing the programme so that we can create data centres which are carbon friendly, and can even supply waste heat back to local communities."

The first data centre would be at the site of the old fire station and engineering yard at Blackpool Airport, which was demolished in 2023, as well as on the site of the airport's old administration offices and security point.

A new administration and security point for the airport opened earlier this year.

The council has secured £2m in funding from the Lancashire Devolution deal, while Silicon Sands is also one of Lancashire Combined County Authorities strategic sites in its latest Growth Plan.