Microsoft Azure: Microsoft officially announces Kemps Creek campus, drops Lane Cove project

Microsoft has announced further expansion in Sydney, with plans for a new data center campus. Located in Kemps Creek in Western Sydney, the facility will be designed in collaboration with Indigenous-owned Indigital, to shape the site’s exterior artwork and landscape design in a way that “supports cultural connection and inclusion.”

According to Microsoft its projects in Australia will require 4,575 construction roles and 18.6 million work hours, with 25 to 30 per cent of positions filled by local contractors. Further, once fully operational, Microsoft anticipates 300 full-time employees will work at its new data centres in NSW and Victoria.

Speaking about the development, Steven Worrall, managing director at Microsoft Australia and New Zealand, said: “We have a strong commitment to deep learning in Indigenous ways of being, knowing, and doing. In the spirit of collaborating and listening, Microsoft is proud to work with Indigital and Dharug Nation Traditional Custodians to reflect Indigenous connection to Country at our Kemps Creek Data Centre.”

Further to this announcement, the giant has shared that it has paused another Sydney campus at Lane Cove in Sydney’s lower north shore, where it was planning a six-story facility. Microsoft said that it had decided not to proceed due to the local council only allowing for a smaller facility.

Microsoft has also reportedly recently received approvals to build another facility on Station Road in the Seven Hills area of Sydney.