Lights, Data, Action: The Massive Data Centre Set to Transform the Film Studio Landscape

A monumental data centre, reaching a height of up to 23.5 meters, is proposed for construction at the site of a planned film studio. Wycombe Park Ltd., formerly known as Wycombe Film Studios, has submitted new plans to the Buckinghamshire Council, citing significant uncertainty in market conditions for the new studio space.

In March 2023, the council approved the construction of TV and film studios, strategically located on a corner of Wycombe Air Park adjacent to the M40 motorway. These studios are intended to leverage the location’s advantages and cater to a growing demand in the film industry.

The envisioned data centres, essentially large warehouses designed to house IT and telecommunications equipment as well as computer server racks, are intended to support the operations of the film studios. Currently, one sound stage has already been constructed on the site; the latest proposal outlines the addition of seven more sound stages, along with ten workshops, four dedicated production buildings, a rehearsal space, and a variety of other essential facilities.

As part of this stage, Wycombe Park Ltd. is only submitting outline plans for the data centres. The firm is backed by SCIO Capital, an investment company based in Luxembourg. While the details are still in preliminary discussions, the proposed data centres could reach heights of 20.5 meters, with rooftop equipment potentially increasing their maximum elevation to 23.5 meters.

Importantly, the submitted plans emphasise that the new buildings will not occupy the entire developable area, ensuring a considerate approach to height regulations, particularly near the residential community of Claymoor Park, where a gradual reduction in building heights is suggested.

A masterplan, which accompanies but is separate from the outline application, depicts six data halls, each with an extensive floor area of approximately 9,300 square meters. Furthermore, the proposal includes plans for robust landscaping surrounding the perimeter of the development, featuring a variety of trees and an ‘earth bund’ design meant to provide effective screening from the surrounding environment.

The architectural firm LEAD Studio has articulated the vision behind the project, stating, “In response to significant market demand, our client has opted to submit this additional application for data centre use, with the aim of fostering an optimised, open, campus-style development that will serve the needs of the film studios and beyond.”