Latos secures planning approval for a £100 million AI-focused data centre in Stockton-on-Tees, aiming to revolutionise real-time AI processing and bolster the UK’s digital economy with regional growth and talent development.
Latos has secured planning approval for a £100 million data centre in Stockton-on-Tees, marking a significant step in the UK’s ambitions to become a leader in artificial intelligence infrastructure. The new facility, set to open in early 2027 at Preston Farm Industrial Estate, will specialise in AI inference capabilities and house the latest NVIDIA Blackwell GPUs. This 18,836 sq ft centre features two custom-designed data halls focused on neural edge computing — a pioneering approach that promises to revolutionise the way AI workloads are handled by eliminating data latency.
Neural edge infrastructure, as explained by Latos managing director Andy Collin, is designed for real-time AI applications ranging from robotics to autonomous transportation. These facilities differentiate themselves by supporting highly demanding workloads with superior energy efficiency while being built faster and at a lower cost compared to traditional data centres. Latos, founded in 2021, is targeting major UK urban centres such as Manchester, Birmingham, Leeds, and Glasgow to create a comprehensive neural edge network, bolstering British AI infrastructure sovereignty and reducing reliance on overseas technology hubs.
The Stockton centre is the first of a planned 40-site national rollout intended to underpin advanced AI processing closer to the data source. This reduces latency issues that typically challenge cloud computing facilities and unlocks new capabilities for industries that depend on instantaneous data processing. The facility will include two data halls spread over approximately 1,750 square metres, equipped to handle the latest generation of AI processors, and is designed as a “Neura Data Centre” optimised for high-speed, real-time AI computation.
Construction is due to start in late 2025, with the centre anticipated to create around 150 jobs during both the construction and operational phases. In line with its commitment to regional economic growth, Latos is prioritising the use of North East suppliers and contractors to support local employment and stimulate the regional economy. Alongside data centre development, plans also include establishing an AI Excellence Centre focused on training the next generation of neural network engineers and data scientists, highlighting the project's role as a catalyst for AI talent development in Teesside.
This announcement aligns with a broader trend of substantial investment by major technology firms in UK data infrastructure. Companies such as Microsoft, Google, and CoreWeave have recently committed billions to expand their own data centre footprints within the country, recognising the strategic importance of onshore AI infrastructure.
The location of this project in the North East reflects the region’s emergence as a key technology hub, with simultaneous large-scale developments like Blackstone’s £10 billion hyperscale data centre in neighboring Northumberland underlining the area's growing significance in the digital economy.
In sum, Latos’ neural edge data centre in Stockton-on-Tees represents a positive and forward-looking development towards positioning the UK at the forefront of AI innovation. By combining cutting-edge technology, regional economic benefits, and a focus on AI skills development, the project addresses critical infrastructural needs for real-time AI, helping to establish the UK as a responsible and competitive leader in AI and data centre technology.
Source: Noah Wire Services
