by Matt Seaton

Netwise to further expand London East facility

We’re very pleased to officially announce further development and expansion plans at our Netwise London East (NLE) facility.

The ink is now dry on a deal which sees us take full control of the freestanding units on the south side of the Datapoint estate – occupying Units 5, 6 and 7 – adding another ~12,000ft2 of available data centre space.

The total NLE facility footprint now spans ~38,000ft2, and is expected to house around 500 racks across all active data halls once fully deployed.

Unit 7
Unit 7 joins prior phase developments at London East; Unit 6, Phases 1 and 2, and Unit 5, Phase 3 (the latter of which is still under development)

Initial refurbishment works are already underway in the newly acquired space, with adjustments being made to increase the front compound, and to install perimeter security to our exacting specifications.

This comes just 12 months after beginning work on our first expansion project at NLE (Phase 3), which is expected to see initial completion and client occupation in 2026, as Data Hall 5 comes online. The modular deployment of the initial expansion project will continue into 2027, with the onlining of Data Hall 6.

Updates continue to flow into our much-lauded build blog, which allows readers to follow along with a behind the scenes look at progress in active development phases. This newly planned phase of expansion works will flow into the build blog in due course.

Unit 7
The initial renovation works are well underway, to prepare the space for our future conversion works

We now have full operational occupation and control over the south side of the Datapoint estate, with both buildings either side of the active facility forming part of the London East footprint. This gives us full control over the entire freestanding building, with the full perimeter and all external areas now under Netwise authority.

The addition of Unit 7 will see the total footprint of the London East facility grow by nearly 200% since Phase 1 began in 2020.

Unit 7
As with both prior development projects, this new space will also carry with it a host of additional amenities for clients to enjoy

Plans for the internal fit-out of this new space are still pending. Early stage plans centre around an additional two data halls (7 and 8), which are likely to become high-density spaces to cater for increasing demand from the HPC and AI/ML sectors, particularly for inference applications that require edge facility locations in critical markets.

Unit 7
The new space will enable continued growth and expansion at our high-demand London East data centre, which sits within the UKs most important data centre ecosystem

Total power delivered to the site is to be significantly increased, with final plans and figures as-yet unannounced.

"This is an incredibly exciting time for Netwise, as we deploy further space at our flagship London East facility. The demand for high-quality data centre space in London only continues to grow, so ensuring we have maximum availability at all times - for existing and emerging deployment trends - is vital."

Matt Seaton, Director

We continue to invest heavily in the development of our portfolio across the board, as the market expands more broadly, placing increasing demand on the infrastructure that drives the modern economy.

Unit 7
Adding Unit 7 to our London East estate is the final piece of our property control plan for this location

This multi-pronged approach to growth and development within the organisation has been a cornerstone of the Netwise formula since day one, with an in-house team capable of managing a wide range of ongoing projects concurrently.

"Our aim has always been to take full control of the south side of the Datapoint estate. Adding Unit 7 to the London East footprint sees this plan through, giving us maximum flexibility over where we take the next chapter of the London East story. We're extremely excited to see continued growth here at our flagship London data centre. With Netwise turning 16 this December, we have much cause for celebration."

Matthew Butt, Managing Director

Having additional capacity available in London’s ever-popular data centre ecosystem is vital for growth-minded operators in this sector, as demand for critical infrastructure continues to outpace sector build rates. Staying ahead of the curve and building world-class facilities that clients from all across the globe can rely on is of paramount importance as we look towards the next decade.

You can follow along with early stage progress on our build blog – keep an eye out for updates as we head into 2026.

by Matt Seaton

London East – End of Phase 2 Development

In this instalment of the Build Blog, we look at the closure of Phase 2 development works here at Netwise London East.

The updates here take us from June to present day, as the first new clients now prepare to move critical systems into our newly launched data hall. Data Hall 3 is the fourth and final hall to come into service in the active side of NLE, with Data Hall 4 launched ahead of Data Hall 3 (for various technical and logistical reasons), in mid-2024.

Phase 3 development works continue, as we prepare for the launch of Data Halls 5 and 6 in 2026, as part of our new expansion project. Updates on Phase 3 have slowed slightly as we turned attention to closing out Phase 2, and onlining Data Hall 3, which is now ready to receive incoming deployments.

Here are the update photos from the close-out of Phase 2:

Completing Data Hall 3

First we step back to the height of the summer, as the underfloor works are completed, ahead of cooling plant siting, followed by the commissioning of all key systems.

Power
The under floor containment and cabling works are well underway at this stage
Power
Data Hall 3 utilises the same under floor power delivery system as found in Data Hall 4, which is now approaching capacity
Power
This view across Data Hall 3 shows the two eventual containment pod locations, on the left and right floor islands seen here
Power
One side of the power distribution system for energising racks can be seen here, as termination and testing works continue
Power
Neat installations are not only a visual delight, but make ongoing maintenance and testing much more straightforward – our in-house electrical team take great pride in their termination work
Power
Here we see more pleasing visual symmetry under floor, which often comes hand-in-hand with redundancy, whereby two (or more) identical systems are deployed in tandem
Power
Our under floor tray work is always a source of pride for the team here at Netwise, which is why we opt to install strategically-placed glass floor tiles once the hall is complete, to ensure this work isn’t covered and forgotten, and can be further enjoyed by our clients
Power
Seeing newly laid and dressed cabling on expertly installed containment is always a joy for our team and clients alike
Cooling
The freshly positioned CREC system for Data Hall 3, now sat on their pre-installed downflow plinths, ahead of full commissioning
Cooling
Another view of the newly landed CRECs, ready to be commissioned and tested, after some final cooling containment works in the surrounding area(s)
Cooling
The rear of the newly landed CRECs, as the backside containment and connections are set to begin, along with the finalisation of initial air filtration
Cooling
Once the final infills and containment tasks are complete, the primary cooling system will be ready to commission and test in full, including soak testing

After completion of the under floor works, overhead works (not shown here), and a few other ancillary actions to ready the space, we rolled in the racks and installed the containment systems for each pod.

Phase 2 works complete

Here we see Data Hall 3 completed and commissioned, with the first client systems due for deployment imminently, including expansion projects for existing customers, as well as new clients who have had space in reservation.

DH3
Data Hall 3 sits on the ground floor, next to the ground floor breach into the new extension (Phase 3), the door to which sits behind the temporary hoarding seen here – Data Hall 6 will be located just beyond this new ground floor accessway
DH3
The completion of Data Hall 3 brings the Phase 2 deployment schedule at London East to an end
DH3
The temporary obscuring vinyls on the glass vision panels within the entrance doors have now been removed, signalling total completion of the space
DH3
Pod 1 within Data Hall 3, now complete and ready to receive pre-reserved client systems
DH3
Pod 2 shown as completed, which is also ready for new client deployments
DH3
A view across from Pod 2 to Pod 1, with some of the power distribution on show in orange, along with the supplementary CRACs
DH3
The B-side ODF can be seen on the left here, which will handle all B-side connectivity distribution for client deployments within this new space
DH3
A view down the full run of CREC units, now delivering controlled cooling to both containment pods at the highest possible levels of efficiency
DH3
As with all other data halls within the active side of the facility, both pods each contain 28 pre-deployed rack footprints, with Pod 1 holding all of our segregated rack options (quarter and half racks)
DH3
The inside view of each containment pod shows the floor grills, which will be adjusted as the hall fills, along with key monitoring systems, including temperature, humidity, pressure and particulates
DH3
The A-side ODF sits alongside Pod 1, mirroring the B-side ODF alongside Pod 2 shown previously
DH3
The backside view of the cooling system post-commissioning, in a spun down state here (hence the closed intake louvres), with completed plumbing and drainage shown

We’re extremely proud to have reached full available capacity within the currently active data centre footprint at London East, following our initial build in 2020-2021 and subsequent modular deployment schedule.

We look forward to welcoming a whole host of exciting new clients into this space, and can now focus our build efforts back towards Phase 3, which will see the onlining of Data Hall 5 in 2026, along with a range of new facility amenities for clients and staff to enjoy.

Keep your eyes peeled for further Phase 3 updates soon, along with a big announcement about further expansion at London East beyond 2026.

by Matt Seaton

Team in focus: Lee Smith

We’re extremely excited for you to meet our Junior Engineer, Lee Smith.

LS 1

Lee joined us in late 2024, and works as part of our in-house engineering team, under the expert guidance of our Engineering Manager, Josh.

Lee is currently working towards his Level 3 NVQ in Electrical Installation, AM2 and Level 3 Initial and Periodic Inspection and Testing qualifications, which we’re very proudly supporting him through as he garners extensive real-world experience in the highly technical data centre sector.

Lee is also on route to becoming an Approved Gold Card Electrician.

A team player through and through, Lee is always happy to lend a helping hand, regardless of the task at hand. This is a fundamental core principle of success at Netwise, which makes Lee the perfect fit as we continue to expand our team.

Furthermore, Lee is a welcome injection of youthful energy within the organisation, and has slotted into the wider team dynamic perfectly since joining us.

LS 2
You’ll find Lee working as part of our engineering team, seen here with Josh as they work on control cabling runs for Data Hall 3

Our in-house engineering team is a vital component within the Netwise machine, particularly as we continue to expand and develop our London East facility. Lee has already proven an invaluable asset in this work, contributing across many areas of our various ongoing projects, and building his assessment portfolio as a result.

LS 3
Lee is gaining extensive and varied experience on his journey to full qualification, working across a range of areas within the Netwise ecosystem

Following Lee’s successful probation period, we’ve expanded our vehicle fleet to provide him with his own Netwise van, which will be used in support of our ever-expanding operation.

By designing, building and maintaining our facilities in-house, we’re able to more completely support the growth and development of our varied team, resulting in a level-up on skillsets across the board – we’re excited to see Lee grow and develop with us here at Netwise.

You can expect to see Lee working as part of the engineering team across our core infrastructure, as well as in the field, getting hands on with the systems responsible for keeping your business online 24×7.

by Matt Seaton

London East Phase 2 Development Update 7

Phase 2 development works have picked up at our London East facility in the early stages of 2025, as we prepare to bring Data Hall 3 online. This will be the final hall as part of Phase 2, before full focus turns to our main expansion project, which will see the addition of Data Halls 5 and 6 – this will be Phase 3.

Phase 3 is already underway – starting in early December 2024 – and will run in tandem with the final stage of Phase 2. You can see our Phase 3 posts published so far here on our build blog.

As Data Hall 3 will be the final hall to be onlined in the current side of the building, we’re expecting a somewhat speedy deployment schedule, given that many aspects of the fit-out process were completed as part of the Data Hall 4 schedule. As Data Halls 3 and 4 share the ground floor, there were certain deployment synergies which allowed for progress on both halls at the same time, much like upstairs with Data Halls 1 and 2. This approach will carry over to Data Hall 5 and 6 in the new expansion, as part of the Phase 3 schedule.

Earlier Phase 2 Works

Here are some photo updates, starting with the primary cooling system upgrade works for each active data hall, which happened in mid-2024:

Cooling
One aspect of Phase Two involved the upgrading of our CREC systems in all active data halls, moving from four live coolers in each hall to six
Cooling
This part of the Phase Two development schedule involved deploying six new CRECs across the three active halls
Cooling
This upgrade to the primary cooling system in each hall comes as a result of growing load in each of the spaces, as each active hall meets or approaches capacity
Cooling
Here we see the view from the cold corridor in Data Hall 1, as the new coolers are prepared for commissioning in mid-2024
Cooling
Here we see the cold corridor in Data Hall 2, with the new hot air extraction system in place for exhausting non-return hot air from Data Hall 4
Cooling
We also increased the number of intake vents and first-stage filters in all data halls, to handle the increased throughput of the upgraded CREC system in each live hall
Cooling
As part of the upgraded primary cooling system in each data hall, additional control system cabling has been installed as part of the commissioning works, which has enabled a greater degree of system-wide interplay and monitoring
DH3
All data halls now have water meters in place to enable the measurement of WUE metrics, which sit alongside PUE metrics as important measures of efficiency and sustainability – water supply capacity has also been increased

Later Phase 2 Works

We can now take a look at more recent build progress in Data Hall 3:

DH3
One of the first elements of installation focus for Data Hall 3 centred around the power distribution
DH3
Both A and B feed power distribution boards have been situated (along with the separate dual-fed mechanical board), with termination of the main feeds to follow
DH3
Here we see the checker plate wall protection install underway
DH3
Here’s a wider view of works underway inside of Data Hall 3, with overhead flood-cabling in progress
DH3
Both ODF A and B have been installed at this stage, along with all supporting cable containment
DH3
The view towards the back of the hall, where the primary cooling system will be situated – the intake vents can be seen pre-cut, with temporary insulated blocks inserted until ready for filter frame installation
DH3
Some of the custom (and rather intricate!) multi-level containment work can be seen underfloor here, designed and installed by our expert in-house electrical team
DH3
All containment is handled ahead of flood cabling and termination, which is set to begin very soon
DH3
There are fully diverse containment routes flowing around the entirety of each data hall sub-floor, to ensure the maximum level of compliant power delivery to each client rack
DH3
Data Hall 3 has a matching power delivery system to that found in Data Hall 4, which came online in the summer of 2024 – this was an evolution of the power delivery system design deployed in the first floor Data Halls (1 and 2)
DH3
A view across Data Hall 3, as work on the under floor infrastructure continues
DH3
Terminations within the main distribution boards 3 are well underway here
DH3
Here we see the supplementary CRACs under commissioning within Data Hall 3, after positioning on their custom plinths
DH3
As part of the CREC system installation for Data Hall 3, modifications are being made within the cold corridor in Data Hall 1, as part of the hot air extraction system
DH3
These modifications will ultimately result in a matching setup as seen previously in this post, which now functions across the Data Hall 2 / Data Hall 4 extraction pairing
DH3
Additional intake filters will also be added to the Data Hall 1 cold corridor soon, as part of the Phase 2 finalisation works
DH3
On the topic of filters, here we see the cold corridor within Data Hall 2, as a full filter change is undertaken – this includes main intake filters (seen here), along with all internal cooler filters, wet pads, and the final cold air exit filters, all of which are contained within the CREC wall
DH3
The CRECs and associated filters have arrived, ready for installation within Data Hall 3

This has been quite a significant update post, given that it covers Phase 2 works spanning back to mid-2024. This phase will see the completion of all deployable data hall space within the active side of Netwise London East, which will reach completion ahead of the active Phase 3 works.

We’re now in the closing stages of Phase 2; Data Hall 3 will be onlined and ready to receive incoming customer deployments in the next few months. We’ll be providing final Phase 2 build blog updates as this work reaches completion.

Phase 3 will continue alongside these final Phase 2 works, however internal focus is now firmly on getting Data Hall 3 ready for occupation.

by Matt Seaton

London East Phase 3 Development Update 4

As we enter Q2 2025, development works continue at Netwise London East, with many additions to relay in this latest edition of our build blog.

Some internal engineering focus has now shifted back to the closing stages of Phase 2, with the roll-out of the final data hall within the active side of the facility (more on this very soon), however the completion of the initial envelope works schedule – as part of the Phase 3 expansion – is still pressing towards finalisation.

Here are the latest updates:

Envelope
A bulkhead has now been installed along the front of the new mezzanine, to close off the otherwise open edge between the ground and first floor wall systems
Envelope
The new bulkhead not only creates a more pleasing finish, but also adds further fire and bash protection to this surface – this will be further bolstered in the loading dock areas to allow for easier forklift access for heavy goods and plant / materials
Forklift
On the topic of forklifts, we’ve added a second to our fleet, with another Linde unit capable of heavier lifts and greater reach
Envelope
The warehouse and loading bay in the facility expansion has far more pallet racking, which is also taller than that within the current loading bay area
Racking
The pallet racking has since been built out further, with additional bays and rear overspill protection – we have a custom infill section coming soon, to sit in the gap presently seen on the left hand side here
Breach
There have been additional breaches made to existing block walls, as we create a new route between the NOC / office space and the technical spaces within this area on the first floor
Breach
The new route creates an open pathway for staff working in this side of the facility – doors, glazing and access ramps will be added later to finish this route
Breach
Here is the view from the new front NOC / office within the expansion space, with larger, free-flowing double doors to be installed in place of the previously existing single doorway, which will be infilled with a new glass panel
Breach
This is the view through from the NOC / office in the front of the building, looking through to the new office and meeting spaces on the first floor
Envelope
Here we see the newly mounted loading dock doors for the ground and first floors
Envelope
The checker plate wall protection has been installed to match that within the active side of the facility
Envelope
The cable route breaches have been cut and lined, ready for cabling and eventual fire protection later in the project – these are the B-side power and supplementary AC routes for Data Hall 6
Envelope
The checker plate on the ground floor continues through to the rear corridor, which connects through to the new power servicing area
Envelope
The adjacent corridor leading to the power servicing area, seen here clad with its checker plating
Envelope
The checker plate throughout the facility has been installed to a datum line set based on the raised floor installation (as have the doors), which will come later in the project
Envelope
The view across Data Hall 6, which is being used for equipment and material storage at present, showing the flanking checker plate cladding now in place
Envelope
The four individual rooms that make up the new power servicing area have custom access panels installed to allow for access behind the rear wall system – these are both fire and high security panels
Envelope
Here is a view of the new main entry door installed in Data Hall 5
Envelope
The same view inside of Data Hall 5, following the checker plate installation on the flanking walls
Envelope
The checker plate is from a continuous production run, meaning we have secured a pattern-match between individual panels
Envelope
This is one of what will become a twin door access route through to the cold corridor in Data Hall 5 (which is why this has been set back slightly) – this will be a fire exit route, as well as a general ease-of-flow route on the first floor, which will also be a soundproofed barrier with twin doors and drop seals
Envelope
This is the view of the first floor corridor, as final trims are prepared, and ahead of checker plate installation – the new cable route breaches have been made here, ahead of lining
Envelope
This is the view to the first floor breach point between the extension project and the active side of the facility, which has now been blocked off with the new wall system, ahead of the final interlink doorway being cut and fitted in due course
Fencing
Here we see the completed side run of new security fencing, ahead of the final razor wire fitment
Fencing
A view of the same side run, looking towards the front of the facility
Fencing
The rear run connects in with our existing run along this side of the facility
Fencing
The razor wire will be installed next, along with the full front facing run of fencing, which will include an additional turnstile and automated vehicle gate
CCTV
Our secure perimeter mixes a range of systems and technologies to create an extremely robust protected boundary around our facilities
CCTV
The new external PTZ cameras that give an overview of the perimeter are now installed and live on our integrated security system, already giving our team full perimeter visibility and motion tracking at this early stage of the project

The forthcoming works schedule includes completion of the perimeter fencing (including the new turnstile and automated vehicle gate), the cutting and fitment of the final interlink doorways, the installation of early stage cable containment across the entirety of the new space, the installation of the new water feed system(s) for our primary evaporative cooling architecture, and a host of additional preparatory work as we wrap up the first stage of the envelope installation.

We’re also taking delivery of the new UPSs, cooling systems, and switchgear, as we look ahead to the largest aspect of the project, that being the commissioning of the main service utilities.