Inside Zayo's Groundbreaking AI & Cloud Data Centre Project

Zayo Europe is providing connectivity infrastructure for one of the UK’s largest AI and cloud computing data centre campuses, a multi-billion dollar development led by QTS in Cambois, Northumberland.

At full build, the campus will support up to 720MW of AI-ready infrastructure. This level of expected capacity positions the site as a large-scale data centre environment designed to meet high-density workloads, where AI processing demands extensive power and low-latency connectivity.

The development also aligns with the UK’s AI Growth Zone strategy, which focuses on expanding national capability in AI and cloud computing.

Fibre infrastructure underpins capacity and resilience

Zayo Europe will build four diverse fibre routes, which are physical paths that carry data via optical cables, into the campus. 

Diverse fibre routes reduce the risk of outages by ensuring traffic can be redirected if one path fails, which is an essential in data centre environments as their uptime is critical.

These routes are scalable and provide high-capacity bandwidth, which supports large volumes of data transfer required for AI workloads and cloud services.

Zayo's site will connect to both Europe and the US through a Tier-1 IP network, a classification that allows direct access to the global internet without relying on third-party transit providers. This means that communication is low-latency and high-speed, which is important for distributed computing and international data exchange.

The infrastructure integrates directly into Zayo Europe’s wider UK fibre network which links key cities including London, Manchester, Newcastle and Edinburgh.

Zayo Europe will also deliver internet services into the facility and the surrounding area.

The infrastructure will be open access, so other carriers and enterprise customers can use it, enabling broader connectivity options for businesses operating in or near the campus.

Colman Deegan, CEO at Zayo Europe, says: “The QTS data centre, designated as an AI Growth Zone, is a landmark project for the UK, and Zayo Europe is proud to deliver the high-capacity, resilient connectivity that makes it possible.

“Much of the UK’s digital infrastructure is currently concentrated in London and the South East, where the grid is under pressure and capacity is limited. Expanding beyond the capital eases that pressure and diversifies connectivity and power.

“Extending Zayo Europe’s leading-edge digital infrastructure to this site will create high-performance, resilient connectivity that supports innovation across the UK.

“Through its extensive UK fibre backbone network, Zayo Europe is well positioned to support AI projects across the UK, which helps establish the country as a global leader in AI.”

Scaling AI infrastructure beyond London

The Cambois development reflects a wider movement to distribute data centre infrastructure beyond traditional hubs. As London and the South East are congested areas, there are constraints around power availability. On the other hand, Northumberland offers energy capacity for hyperscale development.

Brent Bensten, Chief Technology Officer at QTS, says: “QTS is committed to driving meaningful economic impact in the North East, creating jobs, supporting regional regeneration and expanding access to advanced digital capabilities.

“Our Cambois data centre puts the UK at the heart of AI innovation and digital transformation.

“We're delighted to work with Zayo Europe to lay the foundations for nationwide AI growth.”

Local impact and infrastructure investment

Northumberland County Council plans to establish a fund of up to £110m (US$147m) linked to the project. This investment supports job creation, infrastructure upgrades and workforce development.

Data centres often act as anchors for digital ecosystems, attracting suppliers and technology firms. The availability of high-capacity connectivity strengthens this and enables businesses to operate with reliable access to cloud platforms and data services.

Glen Sanderson, the Council Leader, says: “This work brings with it many benefits through a significant investment in the digital infrastructure of the County, which will bring job creation, upskilling and further growth opportunities.

“It is a positive next step to deliver this data centre.”