Microsoft to build hyperscale datacentre in Leeds

Harworth Group has entered into a conditional sale agreement for 48 acres of land at its Skelton Grange site in Leeds. Microsoft has purchased the land for £106.6 million.

Harworth purchased the former Skelton Grange power station site in December 2014 for approximately £3 million. The site, located southeast of Leeds, has seen significant investment as part of the area's regeneration. Harworth optimised the planning status, securing approval for 800,000 sq. ft. of Industrial & Logistics space in November 2023 and a further 320,000 sq. ft. in May 2024.

Skelton Grange, once fully developed, is expected to provide around 250,000 sq. ft. of Grade A Industrial & Logistics space, a hyperscale data centre, a BESS facility, an EfW facility, and approximately 28 acres of restored natural habitat. This development is anticipated to attract over £4 billion in inward investment, significantly boosting the local economy.

“Since re-listing in 2015 Harworth has successfully completed a number of significant transactions that create value for our shareholders but this sale at Skelton Grange is the Group’s largest to date and is yet another exemplary case study that demonstrates the successful regeneration of brownfield land,” said Lynda Shillaw, Chief Executive, Harworth Group.