In what could become one of the UK’s heftiest data hub expansions yet, UK renewables firm Apatura is laying the groundwork for a vast new data center campus just north of the England-Scotland border. It’s big, green — and stirring up plenty of chatter in Coldstream.
This week, Scottish Borders Council confirmed that Apatura’s proposed site won’t need a formal Environmental Impact Assessment before the full planning bid. But with a 300MW capacity on the table, questions about what’s next are far from over.
Coldstream: From Farmland to Data Frontier?
The planned development site sits on 69 hectares of greenfield land at Stainrigg Mains Farm, nudging right up to the border.
For locals, that’s a major shift from grazing fields to server racks.
Coldstream’s claim to fame? Historically a market town — now potentially a high-tech outpost.
A single line here.
That quiet farmland may soon hum with energy flows and fiber cables instead of cows.
Big Numbers, Bigger Questions
Apatura’s ambition is clear. Its proposal includes:
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Up to 70,000 sqm (over 750,000 sq ft) of data center space.
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A dedicated substation.
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A massive 500MW battery storage system.
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Roof-mounted solar PV panels.
The company says once the diggers roll in, they’ll need about three years to finish the project. So don’t expect server racks humming overnight.
One sentence again.
Scaling data centers this size isn’t new globally, but for the Scottish Borders? It’s big news.
No EIA — But Not So Fast
Scottish Borders Council decided this month that the campus doesn’t need a full Environmental Impact Assessment at this stage.
But they didn’t exactly wave it through either.
“The scale of the proposed development is vast, and its impact will require thorough assessment,” the council noted. Locals can still have their say — and they likely will.
It’s the first box ticked in what could be a marathon of public consultations and technical hurdles.
Green Power, Grid Goals
Apatura isn’t your standard data landlord. Founded in 2014, they’ve built their brand on green energy infrastructure.
Their pitch? Low-carbon energy to run massive server farms that suck power like thirsty camels.
According to their filings:
| Apatura Portfolio | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Energy Projects | 10.6GW grid-secured |
| Grid Connections for Data Centers | 1.8GW pipeline |
| Data Center Sites | 5 in development |
The Coldstream plan folds into that vision: battery storage, solar PV, and the promise of lower-carbon computing.
One short sentence: That’s the hook.
Border Community Split?
Coldstream locals are weighing the benefits — and the noise.
Data center jobs are welcome, though these big campuses tend to be heavy on machines, light on people. And 500MW of battery storage isn’t your average shed.
Potential concerns? Landscape, wildlife, and rural infrastructure not quite built for hundreds of trucks and contractors.
For some, it’s the promise of modern jobs. For others, it’s a battle to preserve farmland and open views.
What Comes Next
Apatura’s planning path isn’t paved in gold just yet. They still need full permission for both the data center and the giant BESS.
One bullet worth remembering:
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Council support so far doesn’t guarantee final approval. Community input and technical reviews lie ahead.
If they pull it off, Scotland edges closer to becoming a serious player in Europe’s data and renewable energy landscape.
And Coldstream? Well, that sleepy border town might just find itself on the digital map — like it or not.
