Kao Data, a specialist in developing and operating data centres for AI and advanced computing, has received planning permission to build a new 40MW sustainable data centre in Kenwood Point, Greater Manchester. The development, which represents an inward investment of £350M into the region, is set to be the largest, most advanced, and most sustainable data centre in the North of England. The facility is expected to boost Stockport’s local economy by £155m during its construction period. The data centre, set to become operational in late 2025, will support Greater Manchester’s fast-growing technology ecosystem, positioning the region as a major hub for high-performance computing and artificial intelligence outside of London. The BREEAM-certified and NVIDIA DGX-Ready data centre will be powered by 100% renewable energy and utilise hydrotreated vegetable oil in its backup power generators.