Columnist

Harnessing AI and delivering social value

The recent announcement of the North East AI Growth Zone marks a transformative moment for our region. 

With over £30 billion of future investment and the commitment of 5000+ new jobs, this is more than infrastructure – it’s a catalyst for opportunity. 

At its heart is the Cambois Data Centre Campus near Blyth in Northumberland, developed by Blackstone QTS, which will soon become a core part of Europe’s AI infrastructure.

This week we’ve celebrated a major project milestone, the QTS Enabling Works Commencement which took place on site in Cambois. 

We’ve also discussed what the investment means with businesses at our South East Northumberland roundtable event; sharing the positive economic impact, job growth and collaboration that will come out of this landmark investment.

As someone who works every day on supporting the growth of our economy, I’m convinced that this isn’t just about high tech – it’s about people. 

For Northumberland, the £10 billion investment Cambois Data Centre Campus is much more than wires and servers; it’s a gateway to prosperity, innovation, and social impact for our communities and wider region.

What this means for Northumberland?

• Jobs and skills

The AI Growth Zone will generate thousands of high-quality roles—from construction to data engineering, AI safety and R&D.

Northumberland County Council has built a strong, collaborative partnership with Blackstone QTS and other key stakeholders to ensure we can maximise the opportunity it offers local people to move into these new roles.

But it also demands we build the pipeline – through apprenticeships, training and working with our schools, colleges and universities so local talent can step into these roles confidently.

• Innovation and investment

With Blackstone QTS Data Centres £10 billion already committed to Cambois, we’re laying the foundation for further investment both in Blue Sky AI deployments, research and support services.

The energy capacity, the scale of computing infrastructure, and the strategic positioning in the AI Growth Zone means Northumberland can attract more cutting-edge firms, start-ups and R&D partners – not just from the digital sector but also key sectors such as offshore renewable energy, advanced manufacturing and pharmaceutical manufacturing, who are looking to maintain their competitive edge, often in global markets.

• Social value and local communities

This is where partnership matters. With Blackstone QTS Data Centres, we have an opportunity to ensure social value outcomes are baked in – from employing local people, prioritising local supply chains, investing in community infrastructure, to ensuring that training and upskilling are open to those who need them most.

We want residents in Cambois, Blyth, and right across the County see real benefit—not only economic, but also in quality of life, opportunity and inclusion.

How we deliver?

At Northumberland County Council, we are committed to making sure the AI Growth Zone delivers for everyone.

We’ll be working closely with Blackstone QTS, the North East Combined Authority, UK Government, education providers, local businesses and community groups to:

• design and roll out training and apprenticeship routes, particularly in tech and energy sectors, so our young people and those looking to re-skill can take leading roles building on recent successes such as the Energy Central Learning Hub and forthcoming Energy Central Institute;
• ensure that procurement for construction, maintenance and services look to local businesses first – connecting into the opportunities through regular events and updates;
• support innovation hubs or satellite infrastructure so that spin-outs, SMEs or start-ups locally can access AI, tools, and expertise;
•  measure social value: jobs created, local income uplift, inclusion metrics, environmental impact.

In summary, the AI Growth Zone and the Cambois Data Centre Campus development are big steps forward for the North East, and especially for Northumberland.

I believe the opportunity is not only of futuristic tech, but of an inclusive, socially responsible transformation rooted in our communities.

The future is being built here and we’re building it together.

To find out more visit www.investnorthumberland.co.uk/invest

Sarah McMillan is director of economic development and growth at Northumberland County Council

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Bdaily Publishing .