After nearly two years of meticulous planning and construction, we’re thrilled to officially launch our brand-new MCR2 data centre in Manchester this week. Our team has worked tirelessly to deliver this complex, enterprise-grade facility in one of the UK’s most important tech hubs, and we couldn’t be prouder of the end result.
MCR2 data centre – the timeline of a build
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Behind the scenes of MCR2
From demolition to completion – how MCR2 came to life
If you’ve ever wondered what’s involved in building a data centre capable of meeting the demands of modern business, here’s a look at some (but by no means all) of the key stages of the MCR2 build timeline.
August 2023 – demolition begins
The project kicked off with the demolition of a longstanding job centre on the site. Clearing this space was the first step towards laying the groundwork for something far greater.
April 2024 – foundations and infrastructure
Once the demolition was complete, we broke ground on the foundations. This also included the construction of an attenuation tank, a vital component for effective water management on-site.
July 2024 – mega structure takes shape
The first part of the facility’s massive structure was installed, marking a pivotal moment in the construction timeline.
August 2024 – roof installation
The roof base layer was installed on the now-completed frame, providing the structure with essential protection.
September 2024 – advancing progress
This was a particularly productive month. The roll-formed roofing sheets were produced and installed, followed by the final roof skin and insulation layer. We also prepared the ground and first floors for concrete.
October 2024 – exterior elements
The focus shifted to the exterior walls, with the installation of cladding and the application of fire-retardant paint to the steelwork. These measures not only ensure safety but also contribute to the overall durability of the structure.
December 2024 – internal systems begin
The final layer of exterior cladding was added, along with internal white wall cladding. Additionally, chilled water-loop pipework was installed, a critical part of the cooling system that ensures operational efficiency.
January 2025 – major installations
Despite the snow, the gantry was erected, generators were positioned, and internal fire safety systems, along with fan wall units, were installed. These essential components marked significant progress towards operational readiness.
February 2025 – ceiling framework and busbars
To prepare the data halls for their eventual operation, we installed suspended ceiling frames and busbar systems. These are key elements for electrical distribution within the facility.
March 2025 – installation of switchgear
Switchgear installation was completed, further solidifying MCR2’s ability to handle complex power needs effectively and safely.
April 2025 – final touches and landscaping
Air conditioning condensers and solar PV systems were installed to optimise energy efficiency. We also began landscaping work to enhance the site’s external aesthetic and environmental integration.
May 2025 – testing and completion
The final milestone arrived with load bank testing carried out in the completed data hall. This crucial step ensured that all systems were fully functional and ready to meet the needs of our future clients.
Enterprise-grade facilities for Manchester
MCR2 will play a central role in the ongoing growth and innovation of Manchester’s thriving tech community. By providing enterprise-grade data centre facilities, we’re proud to play a part in supporting businesses that demand reliability, scalability, and future-proof solutions.
Thank you to everyone who played a role in making this project a reality. From the foundations to the still ongoing final touches, every stage of the MCR2 build reflects the hard work and collaboration of an exceptional team.
For this week, we are rewarding ourselves with a brief moment to celebrate the launch of MCR2 and showing what we have accomplished since summer 2023.
Want to learn more about MCR2 or our other UK data centres? Get in touch with a member of our team to find out how we can help your business grow with secure, scalable data centre solutions.