Groundwork begins at £10 billion AI hub

A technology hub which officials say will help turn the North East into an “AI powerhouse” is taking shape with the start of enabling works on a new data centre development in Cambois, near Blyth.

US firm QTS, the global digital infrastructure specialist backed by Blackstone, has begun early-stage construction at the site, paving the way for a £10 billion campus that will support the region’s growing role in artificial intelligence and digital innovation.

The milestone marks the first major phase in the project’s delivery, following planning approval from Northumberland County Council.

Recognised by the Construction Industry Training Board, the Cambois data centre is also the first new-build site in the UK to achieve National Skills Academy for Construction status.

Kanishka Narayan MP, the recently appointed Minister for AI and Online Safety, said: “When we said this would create new opportunities for people in the North East, we meant it.

“Within weeks of announcing, work on the site is already starting – creating new routes for young people to move into employment. 

“That includes hundreds of apprenticeships, placements and internships, as well as fresh opportunities for local businesses so the whole community gets behind this effort. 

“By attracting investment, putting researchers within touching distance of tech that will lead to major breakthroughs and backing the North East as an AI powerhouse, we’re delivering real change for generations to come.”

QTS marked the occasion with a stakeholder celebration attended by local business leaders and politicians, where it also unveiled a new Social Value Programme designed to boost employment, skills and sustainability in the region.

Bosses say the firm aims to create more than 1000 jobs, with half recruited locally, alongside 100 apprenticeships, 150 internships and over 200 work placements. 

It also plans to invest in training, upskilling and local supply chain partnerships to maximise economic impact.

Tag Greason, co-chief executive at QTS, said: “QTS is thrilled to have officially started work on the site of our data centre campus. 

“While this is the first step in a long journey, it is a visible milestone of progress made possible by the support of the local community and Northumberland County Council. 

“We want to have a lasting positive impact on the North East, which is why we’ve announced our commitment to create more than a thousand new jobs – boosting the skills of hundreds of local people in the coming years.”

QTS’s investment forms part of the wider AI Growth Zone initiative, positioning the North East as a global centre for clean energy, advanced technology and inclusive development.

Kim McGuinness, mayor of the North East, said: “AI will be transformational for our communities. 

“It will create thousands of jobs for local people while allowing the North East to lead the way in tech innovations. 

“That’s why we’re wasting no time in building the technology of the future, today. 

“Just two weeks ago we announced £30 billion investment to make the North East the country’s first AI Growth Zone. 

“We’ve wasted no time and work is already underway to get the world-class data centres up and running so we can make sure there are opportunities for local people as quickly as possible.”

Glen Sanderson, leader of Northumberland County Council, added: “Today marks a huge step forward towards realising the massive benefits and opportunities this scheme will bring – not just for this area, but the whole county and the wider region. 

“This is a multi-billion-pound vote of confidence in Northumberland – bringing jobs, cutting edge technology and a massive investment in our future. 

“With the enabling works underway, we're looking forward to construction starting on the ground in the near future.”

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