Wednesday 10 June 2026 5:05 am  |  Updated:  Tuesday 09 June 2026 6:17 pm

The Debate: Should we build a data centre on Brick Lane?

By: Anna Moloney

Deputy Comment and Features Editor

Share

Facebook Share on Facebook X Share on Twitter LinkedIn Share on LinkedIn WhatsApp Share on WhatsApp Email Share on Email

It may be better known for bagels, but times they are a changing. Should we put a data centre on Brick Lane? We hear the case for and against in this week’s Debate

YES: There’s a tendency to treat data centres as something that should be built somewhere else

Should we build a data centre on Brick Lane? If the site is suitable, then yes.

The debate around the Truman Brewery proposal reflects a broader challenge facing the UK. Everyone wants the benefits of a digital economy, but far fewer people are willing to support the infrastructure that makes it possible.

Data centres are no longer niche facilities tucked away on industrial estates, in fact many will be unaware there are existing data centres already on this site. They underpin everything from AI and cloud computing to banking, healthcare and public services. If the UK is serious about remaining competitive in a rapidly changing global economy, we need to recognise digital infrastructure as essential infrastructure.

That does not mean developments should be approved regardless of local concerns. Planning........

© City A.M.