Urban Digest

A $3.7 billion data centre is proposed at Hart Road, Loxford, on part of the former Hydro Aluminium Kurri Kurri industrial site. The State Significant Development application seeks approval for the fit-out and operation of a large-scale data storage facility with a total power consumption of 550.5 megawatts.

The proposal involves converting an approved two-storey industrial building into a data centre, with a gross floor area of 47,143 sqm. The building will accommodate approximately 32,297 sqm of technical data halls, 1,481 sqm of ancillary office space and 13,365 sqm of corridors and other supporting areas.

The building envelope, with a maximum height of 17.84 metres, and associated earthworks have already been approved under a separate Complying Development Certificate. The current application covers the internal fit-out, operation and additional infrastructure required for the data centre.

The 20.91-hectare site will accommodate 312 air-cooled chillers, lithium-ion battery storage, six backup diesel generators, an electrical switchyard and two substations. Electricity would be supplied through a dual 132kV connection to the Ausgrid network.

The development is proposed to operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The Environmental Impact Statement estimates a peak construction workforce of 1,210 personnel during the 14-month construction and fit-out programme, with approximately 254 ongoing full-time equivalent positions.

The application was lodged by ADW Johnson Pty Ltd, with Willowtree Planning responsible for preparing the Environmental Impact Statement.

For more information, search application SSD-128819490 on the NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure’s website.