Ravenscraig site could become green AI data centre in £3bn plan

The estimated jobs total of 2399 combines direct, indirect, and induced roles.

Apatura believe the plan – being developed with North Lanarkshire Council and site owners Ravenscraig Ltd – could help reduce grid congestion and cut consumer bills.

It forms part of the local authority’s masterplan for the site, which aimed to bring housing, schools and businesses to the land.

However that initiative ran into controversy in 2021 when families living in new homes furiously objected to plans to use the land for a major industrial site instead of previously proposed shops.

During the coronavirus pandemic the site was transformed into a mass vaccine centre that lasted throughout the height of the pandemic.

The data centre would take over the site to the east of the Wishaw Deviation freight railway line, and vacant employment land, known as SevenFourEight.

Russell Wilkie, the director of Ravenscraig, said: “This is an exciting opportunity for Ravenscraig to be at the forefront of green data centres which will transform Scotland’s renewable power capabilities.

“With grid connections in place, land secured, and a delivery team aligned, we have a fully viable site within the Ravenscraig masterplan to meet the UK’s AI infrastructure needs.”

Ravenscraig is one of five AI-ready sites the developer is progressing across Scotland’s central belt.