Microsoft has bought 48 acres of land at the former Skelton Grange power station in Stourton and plan to build a ‘hyperscale’ data centre in a deal worth £106.6 million.
The land has been sold by Harworth Group who bought the site ten years ago and have remediated the contaminated land and developed a masterplan. In 2020 19.5 acres was sold to Enphinium to build the commercial waste to power plant (incinerator) that is currently nearing completion.
The site is also home to a Battery Energy Storage System and Harworth has secured planning permission for further industrial and logistics space.
Lynda Shillaw, Chief Executive, Harworth Group said:
“Since re-listing in 2015 Harworth has successfully completed a number of significant transactions that create value for our shareholders but this sale at Skelton Grange is the Group’s largest to date and is yet another exemplary case study that demonstrates the successful regeneration of brownfield land.”
Commenting on the development Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire, said:
“Here in West Yorkshire, we’re building the transport infrastructure, talent pipelines and thriving ecosystem we need to create jobs and growth.
“This new investment from Microsoft is a major vote of confidence in our plans, and I look forward to working with them and with Leeds City Council to build a stronger, brighter region.”
Skelton Grange power station comprised two coal-fired plants built in the 1940s and 1960s. The power station closed in 1994. The Conservation Volunteers (TCV) developed the Skelton Grange Environment Centre in partnership with National Grid and Leeds City Council on land next to the electricity substation. Plans considered for the site have included a new stadium for Leeds United in 2001 and a depot for now cancelled HS2 high speed rail line.
Photo: Aerial photo of the Skelton Grange site. Credit: Harworth Group
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