Digital Reef spent several years assessing potential locations to support London’s growing demand for digital infrastructure.

Following detailed technical analysis and engagement with stakeholders, the East Havering site was identified as the only location capable of providing both:

• A reliable, high-capacity power supply suitable for a data centre campus of this scale

• Sufficient land to accommodate the East Havering Data Centre Campus

The proposal is designed as a master-planned development that combines critical digital infrastructure with significant environmental enhancement.

The proposed development represents an estimated £14.7 billion investment to support the design and construction of the campus.

Of this:

• Approximately £2.25 billion is expected to be invested in the UK economy

• Around £1.86 billion will be invested directly in Havering

The project will create significant employment and skills opportunities both locally and across the UK.

During development

• Approximately 330 job-years per year supported locally

• Around 1,340 job-years per year supported across the UK

A job-year represents one full-time job lasting for one year.

Once fully operational

• Around 620 permanent full-time jobs in Havering

• Including approximately 350 roles in the information and communications sector

• An estimated 0.5% increase in local employment

• Around 1,780 jobs supported across the UK workforce

Skills and training commitments

• Apprenticeships and skills training within the construction workforce across the borough

• Clear education-to-employment pathways.

Minimising disruption to residents during construction and operation is a key priority.

Measures will include:

• Strict noise management protocols

• Comprehensive traffic management plans

• Air quality monitoring

• Construction activities limited to standard working hours

Regular updates to residents on construction schedules and potential impacts

The site will be accessible via public transport services operated by Transport for London.

Additional measures include:

• Coach transport for construction workers between the site and Upminster Station and Ockendon Station

• Improvements to local roads for vehicles, cyclists and pedestrians

• Enhancements to public transport infrastructure funded through Section 106 contributions

These measures are intended to minimise congestion and encourage sustainable travel.

‍Public consultation on the draft Local Development Order (LDO) will run from 6th March to 12th April 2026.

During this period, residents and stakeholders will be able to:

• Review planning, environmental and technical documents

• Submit feedback through the Council’s consultation portal: https://www.havering.gov.uk/planning-3/east-havering-data-centre-consultation

Digital Reef will continue to engage with the community throughout the planning process alongside the Council’s statutory consultation.

The proposed development is expected to generate both short-term and long-term economic benefits.

Key impacts include:

• £1.86 billion investment in the Havering economy during development

• £37–38 million annual Gross Value Added (GVA) during the construction phase

• Around £13.5 million per year in business rates once operational

• Approximately £281 million GVA generated in Havering during the operational phase

• 1,780 jobs supported across the UK once the campus is fully operational

This investment is expected to support local supply chains, create employment opportunities and contribute to long-term economic growth.

Yes. Public access to green space would increase significantly as part of the development.

Proposals include:

• Creation of a 113-hectare ecology park

• Biodiversity Net Gain of:

  • 62.45% in habitat area units

  • 85.64% in hedgerow units

  • 236% in watercourse units

• Improved habitats for wildlife

• New opportunities for residents to access and engage with nature

The East Havering Data Centre Campus has been designed to deliver measurable environmental improvements.

Key features include:

• Net Zero operational design, with no on-site fossil fuel use

• A publicly accessible Ecology Park with new walking and cycling routes

• Heated horticulture facilities and a district heating network

• A visitor centre for education and community use

• Long-term habitat enhancement and biodiversity improvements

Digital Reef is a British developer of sustainable digital infrastructure.

Founded in 2020 by the founder of Reef Origin, the company focuses on the development of resilient and environmentally responsible data infrastructure.

Digital Reef has been involved in projects with a combined value of over £18.5 billion.

No.

Havering Council will consider the proposal independently in its role as the Local Planning Authority (LPA).

Any financial contributions associated with the development would be secured through the standard planning process and must meet legal and policy requirements.

Havering Council is responsible for determining the proposal in its statutory role as Local Planning Authority.

The Council will ensure that the planning process is robust, lawful and considers environmental, technical and community factors before making a decision.

Public consultation on the Local Development Order (LDO) runs from 6 March to 7 April 2026.

‍Residents, businesses and organisations can:

• Review the planning, environmental and technical documents

• Submit comments through the Council’s consultation portal: https://www.havering.gov.uk/planning-3/east-havering-data-centre-consultation

‍ Alternatively, you can search LDO0001.26 via: www.havering.gov.uk/planning-3/planning-searches/2

‍ All feedback received during consultation will be considered as part of the Strategic Planning Committee’s review of the proposal.