Matt Edgley has been at the helm of constructing our new data centre, MCR2, at our Manchester site. This means he is ideally positioned to discuss what makes the MCR2 project so remarkable, and how it integrates into the local community and the wider Wythenshawe redevelopment process.
Five minutes with Matt Edgley – the MCR2 advantage
Posted on in Blog
Behind the scenes with Matt Edgley, Datum’s COO
The drivers behind this data centre expansion in Manchester
Manchester has been crying out for new, high quality data centre space for some years now. With numerous mergers and acquisitions in the region, older sites have been changing hands frequently. Whilst we have witnessed some new build activities (a much-needed response given the lack of supplier diversity in the region), over the past decade Manchester has lacked the development of purpose-built facilities that are both efficient and well-designed.
MCR2 seeks to fill this gap, providing state-of-the-art infrastructure that not only meets but exceeds current expectations. This strategic expansion aims to cater to the growing needs of businesses seeking reliable and advanced data solutions.
What sets MCR2 apart?
Quality and sustainability are at the heart of MCR2’s design. By conceptualising the facility from the bottom up, we have been able to focus on delivering one of the most efficient data centres possible – integrating features that enhance efficiency and sustainability, such as photovoltaic (PV) systems and heat recovery mechanisms – features that meet the demands of sustainability in today’s enterprise market. We’ve achieved things that are just not possible in refurbished or redeveloped data centres, as every single aspect of the facility has been designed with these elements in mind.
Local environmental impact of MCR2
First off, MCR2 is designed with the environment in mind, with the lowest possible emissions, and boasting an impressive PUE of 1.25 – a remarkable achievement for a shared colocation facility with high redundancy levels. This efficiency stems from our ability to specify every component of the building and infrastructure, emphasising environmental credentials in equipment selection.
In addition, we are collaborating with local partners to explore distributing recovered heat from our cooling systems to nearby housing developments via a local heat distribution network.
Progress update on the MCR2 project - key highlights
The MCR2 project is progressing exceptionally well, despite Manchester’s sometimes challenging weather conditions, which have been putting the construction team to the test at times. It’s been a demanding and rewarding project to manage given the extensive amount of design that’s been involved. There have been some interesting developments along the way, including the requirement to construct an Olympic swimming pool-sized attenuation tank, aimed at mitigating flood risks during extreme weather events. This not only enhances site resilience but also contributes to our sustainability goals.
Will MCR2 bring benefits to the local community?
Absolutely! We sincerely expect MCR2 to bring significant benefits. Since 2007, MCR1 has been a source of local employment, offering opportunities that were previously unavailable. With MCR2 we plan to continue this tradition through new technical and back-office apprenticeships, graduate schemes, and highly skilled engineer roles in multiple disciplines.
As businesses in the area begin utilising MCR2 to host their equipment, we should see an increase in the employment of local engineers, and we hope to encourage businesses to establish their primary operations in the wider Wythenshawe area to benefit from the ever-improving technology and transport infrastructure as part of the region’s ongoing redevelopment.
Find out more
We are confident that MCR2 will serve as a catalyst for sustainable growth, innovation, and community development in the Wythenshawe region. Scheduled to go live in Q1 2025, our new data centre will enhance the local technological landscape, fostering an environment conducive to progress. If you would like to learn more about how MCR2 can support your business development, we invite you to get in touch with us for further information.