UK data centre numbers to grow – Goonhilly still only option in Cornwall


August 19, 2025

Research reveals anticipated boom in UK data centre construction – but limited colocation options in South-West

UK data centres have been making headlines... again!


According to a BBC article published last week, citing research by construction researchers Barbour ABI, the number of data centres in the UK is set to jump by almost 100 by 2030, with the government emphasising their importance to the country’s economic future.


Data centres represent critical infrastructure and are essential to meet the growing demand for digital services, as organisations of all sizes increasingly rely on the processing and storage of vast amounts of data.


However, these planned facilities are highly concentrated around London and neighbouring counties, with just one new facility planned South-West of Bristol.


Cornwall’s data centre – not just for the space sector!


Our Goonhilly Earth Station HQ is home to Cornwall’s only data centre, the only facility of its kind within 140km.


We provide scalable and reliable colocation solutions for organisations who rely on the storage, processing, and distribution of data – regardless of whether or not they’re in the space sector!


Customers may be seeking off-premises server locations that offer an added layer of security and reliability, or a geo-diverse location to complement their existing infrastructure. Our scalable options offer something for everyone.



Why choose Goonhilly’s data centre?


While businesses in the South-West can take advantage of reduced latency and convenient access to their IT infrastructure, ALL customers benefit from the data centre’s carefully-optimised design and infrastructure:



1.       High security


Our data centre is self-contained within our wider secure site.


Sitewide features include:

-           Perimeter fencing

-           24/7/365 security personnel

-           RFID access

-           70+ CCTV cameras

-           ISO27001 accreditation

-           Cyber Essentials Plus certification


The data centre itself requires enhanced RFID clearance and has additional surveillance features.



2.       State-of-the-art infrastructure


Our systems are expertly designed to keep customers connected...


Power redundancy:

-           Non-interruptible redundant power with UPS-protected circuits and back-up generators

-           Site power distribution via HV cross-strapped ring

-           0% mains power failure to date


Advanced environmental treatment:

-           CRAC units for cooling and humidity monitoring

-           VESDA fire detection system

-           Clean agent gas fire suppression system



3.       Excellent connectivity


We offer diverse and high-speed connectivity from the site:


-           Diverse, low latency optical fibre links to London, supporting a range of bandwidth options

-           Onward access to worldwide POPs


Want to discover how Goonhilly's data centre can keep you connected and protected?

Contact our friendly team

June 17, 2024
In 2022, Holly Holmes, a then-Year-10 student from Cornwall, attended a Summer School event here at Goonhilly. Now in Year 12, Holly has kindly taken the time to update us on the impact that her time with us has had on her studies, confidence levels, and plans for the future. Thank you Holly for sharing your experiences in this brilliant blog post! We’re thrilled to hear that the experience meant so much to you!
Thumbnail shows the Goonhilly
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From supporting new missions to winning awards and even appearing on kids' TV - enjoy a round up of our highlights from 2023!
March 7, 2023
Interview with Tanya Boardman and Roisin Clear for International Women's Day 2023.
Illustration showing two-way satellite comms between Goonhilly and the USA
July 11, 2022
60 years ago today, on 11th July 1962, Goonhilly Earth Station in Cornwall, UK made world history.
March 17, 2022
The above image, and those below, were acquired from NOAA 18 (on 137.9125 MHz), and NOAA 19 (on 137.100 MHz) during daytime passes here at Goonhilly. In preparation for our annual Summer School programme , Goonhilly’s Deep Space Network Operators have been busy preparing a project that will enable students to receive images from NOAA weather satellites. During the practical demonstration, students will be able to discover what the weather is currently doing across the North Atlantic and Western Europe. By repeating the receiving process several times, as the satellites pass over, the students will be able to track the weather over time, and predict how the weather here in Cornwall will change. In addition to equipping students with the theoretical and practical skills to receive real-time satellite transmissions for themselves, the project will also highlight the diverse ways in which we rely on Low Earth Orbit satellites in our everyday lives. Other projects and lessons planned for the attendees of the week-long programme will help them to learn about the different methods, materials, and techniques that make Goonhilly’s world-leading satellite communications work a reality. Here at Goonhilly, we believe in the value of a hands-on approach to complement theoretical learning. By preparing this project, the Deep Space Network Operations Team hopes to not only train valuable skills but also promote the enjoyment that comes from gaining knowledge via self-discovery. The team looks forward to offering the Summer School students an insight into what training as an Operator entails, and what it means to play a critical role in the UK’s future in space. 
By July 15, 2021
In a world first our Deep Space Communications Antenna, GHY-6 , acquired telemetry, including images, of the martian surface.
GES GHY6 Deep Space Antenna observes Mars 2020 Perseverance Signal
March 4, 2021
In collaboration with BAE GES engineers were able to successfully capture the Direct-To-Earth signal 'tones' used by NASA/JPL to indicate the successful operation of the Mars 2020 spacecraft Perseverance, by our GHY-6 Deep Space Antenna.
December 14, 2020
“Westward Ho! Musing on Mathematics and Mechanics”
'Point Cloud' Laser image of GHY6 structure
July 3, 2020
Visitors will be escorted at all times by a representative of GES and it is critical that you only access the areas on site that are relevant to the nature of your visit. Contractors working on site may not always be under direct supervision, so with this in mind you will be required to: Comply with your risk assessments and any additional safe working procedures. Report to your GES representative when you arrive and before you leave our site. Comply with all specific rules if working as part of a construction project. Work in a professional and considerate manner. Clear all generated waste and leave work areas in a safe condition.
Space related web Links poster by Nathanial Bradford
By June 19, 2020
As you play your part in helping stop the spread of Covid-19 by 'staying home and saving lives' allow us to share with you our passion for all things Space related. Every amazing journey starts with a single step, so who knows, maybe yours will start with a single click...
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