Data centre planned for Microsoft's UK HQ

A major gas-powered data centre could be built on the site of Microsoft's "underused" UK headquarters, according to a proposal.

Developers said the data centre would respond to "falling demand for office space" at Thames Valley Park near Reading, Berkshire, while supporting other nearby businesses.

Microsoft said it plans to move staff into the existing HERE building, also in Thames Valley Park, by August 2027 so the HQ site can be used for the data centre.

A public consultation event is due to be held at Pearson Hall in Sonning on Tuesday from 15:00 BST to 19:00.

Data centres are the facilities that store, process and run large amounts of data and software which power the internet.

Building the data centre would support about 250 jobs, while about 115 full-time employees would work there once it is open, developers said.

They want to use natural gas-powered fuel cells for the facility "while additional grid capacity is brought forward" to run it.

A spokesperson for Microsoft said: "This move is part of our continued investment in the UK, ensuring our workplaces keep pace with how people work today and what teams will need in the future."

Slough Trading Estate is now thought to be the largest data centre hub in Europe.

Another major data centre in the town was given planning permission by the government in June following a planning inquiry.

Manor Farm Propco Limited said the development on the 20.2 acre (8.2 hectare) green belt site will be of national importance.