Google Opens Hertfordshire Data Center

Google is opening a new data center in Waltham Cross, Hertfordshire, today as part of what it says is a £5 billion ($6.81bn) investment in the UK over the next two years.  It is part of a string of investments unveiled by US companies in UK digital infrastructure this week, timed to coincide with President Donald Trump’s state visit.

At the time, Google said it was aiming to spend $1 billion ($730m) on building the data center itself. Reeves said: “Google’s £5bn investment is a powerful vote of confidence in the UK economy and the strength of our partnership with the US, creating jobs and economic growth for years to come.”

“With today’s announcement, Google is deepening our roots in the UK and helping support Great Britain's potential with AI to add £400 billion to the economy by 2030 while also enhancing critical social services," said Ruth Porat, president and chief investment officer at Google.

"Google’s investment in technical infrastructure, expanded energy capacity, and job-ready AI skills will help ensure everyone in Broxbourne and across the whole of the UK stays at the cutting-edge of global tech opportunities.”