Pinewood Studios submits £1bn data centre plans Buckinghamshire

Pinewood Group has submitted a £1 billion plan to build a state-of-the-art data centre on land south of its Buckinghamshire studios, covering a 55,030m² facility within the Slough Availability Zone, a key UK data hub. The proposal also includes a 60-acre nature reserve, a six-acre community garden, and learning spaces, aiming to align with the UK government's 2024 designation of data centres as Critical National Infrastructure. CEO David Conway emphasized that the investment would generate jobs and local community benefits. This development represents a strategic move into digital infrastructure alongside plans to expand film production facilities and sound stages. Pinewood submitted the planning application to Buckinghamshire Council with a target decision by the end of 2025, after which a detailed reserved matters application will follow. The project reflects Pinewood's adaptation to changing market conditions and supports the government’s focus on digital technologies and creative industries.