KAO Data Campus, the new science and technology data centre campus located on the London-Stansted-Cambridge Corridor, has appointed Stevenage based firm, JCA Engineering, as its construction partner on phase one of KAO Data Campus. This comprises the first data centre (KAO Data London One) and technology suite.
JCA Engineering is a technology focused mechanical and electrical contractor that delivers the optimal engineered solution for a wide variety of clients and projects. Following completion of the below ground connectivity infrastructure, utility services and piling, construction has now started on site and is forecast for completion in phases through 2017.
KAO Park has also awarded a separate contract to Matrix Networks, the specialist power utility contractor, which will lead the construction of the UKPN adoptable 33kV/11kV 43.5MVA sub-station providing capacity to support the entire Campus, which is due for completion April 2017.
KAO Data Campus will comprise of four data centres each split into four halls and designed over three floors, totalling around 150,000 sq ft. nett technical space. Each technology suite will be capable of supporting a 2175kW IT load totalling an 8.7MW IT load across each building. Infrastructure work across the site is part-funded by Harlow Council and HCA.
Paul Finch, chief technical officer, KAO Data said: “The announcement marks a significant milestone in the ongoing commitment to KAO Data Campus. The provision of high specification data centre facilities is essential in order to maintain the UK’s position at the epicentre for technological excellence and a global hub for business connectivity. Kao Data Campus’ technical infrastructure, providing the highest standard of data resilience and operational sustainability, will make it ideally placed to support local and international businesses combined.”
Kao Data Campus is named after Charles Kao who, 50 years ago, co-discovered the technology behind fibre optic cable whilst working for Standard Telephone Laboratories (later Nortel). His work won him the 2009 Nobel Prize for Physics.
The broader KAO Park, The Enterprise Zone and London-Stansted-Cambridge corridor have already received strong interest from life science businesses and organisations, such as defence innovation specialist Raytheon UK, and electronics supplier Arrow Electronics as well other science and technology focussed organisations, further establishing the region as one of scientific discovery.
