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:
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 sixThis part of the Phase Two development schedule involved deploying six new CRECs across the three active hallsThis 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 capacityHere we see the view from the cold corridor in Data Hall 1, as the new coolers are prepared for commissioning in mid-2024Here 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 4We 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 hallAs 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 monitoringAll 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:
One of the first elements of installation focus for Data Hall 3 centred around the power distributionBoth 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 followHere we see the checker plate wall protection install underwayHere’s a wider view of works underway inside of Data Hall 3, with overhead flood-cabling in progressBoth ODF A and B have been installed at this stage, along with all supporting cable containmentThe 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 installationSome of the custom (and rather intricate!) multi-level containment work can be seen underfloor here, designed and installed by our expert in-house electrical teamAll containment is handled ahead of flood cabling and termination, which is set to begin very soonThere 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 rackData 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)A view across Data Hall 3, as work on the under floor infrastructure continuesTerminations within the main distribution boards 3 are well underway hereHere we see the supplementary CRACs under commissioning within Data Hall 3, after positioning on their custom plinthsAs 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 systemThese 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 pairingAdditional intake filters will also be added to the Data Hall 1 cold corridor soon, as part of the Phase 2 finalisation worksOn 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 wallThe 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.
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:
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 systemsThe 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 / materialsOn the topic of forklifts, we’ve added a second to our fleet, with another Linde unit capable of heavier lifts and greater reachThe warehouse and loading bay in the facility expansion has far more pallet racking, which is also taller than that within the current loading bay areaThe 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 hereThere 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 floorThe 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 routeHere 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 panelThis 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 floorHere we see the newly mounted loading dock doors for the ground and first floorsThe checker plate wall protection has been installed to match that within the active side of the facilityThe 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 6The checker plate on the ground floor continues through to the rear corridor, which connects through to the new power servicing areaThe adjacent corridor leading to the power servicing area, seen here clad with its checker platingThe 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 projectThe view across Data Hall 6, which is being used for equipment and material storage at present, showing the flanking checker plate cladding now in placeThe 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 panelsHere is a view of the new main entry door installed in Data Hall 5The same view inside of Data Hall 5, following the checker plate installation on the flanking wallsThe checker plate is from a continuous production run, meaning we have secured a pattern-match between individual panelsThis 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 sealsThis 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 liningThis 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 courseHere we see the completed side run of new security fencing, ahead of the final razor wire fitmentA view of the same side run, looking towards the front of the facilityThe rear run connects in with our existing run along this side of the facilityThe razor wire will be installed next, along with the full front facing run of fencing, which will include an additional turnstile and automated vehicle gateOur secure perimeter mixes a range of systems and technologies to create an extremely robust protected boundary around our facilitiesThe 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.
Update three of the London East expansion project shows great progress on the envelope works, during which time we’ve seen the two spaces breached to become one single building – an early but poignant milestone for the project.
The various doorways have also been rough-cut into position ahead of final finish cuts – and being raised to finished floor height – allowing the real-world flow of the space to be experienced for the first time.
Here are the photo updates:
The wall panels which form the main first floor corridor make for an imposingly tall space at this stage, ahead of the raised floor and ceiling installation in due courseThe main corridor on the ground floor sits directly below that of the first floorThe second corridor on the ground floor leads to the power servicing rooms, sitting perpendicular to the main corridor run, with some doorways now rough-cut in here (to slab, for access)The shell of Data Hall 6 on the ground floor is an ideal place for the storage of materials, prior to useAnother view across Data Hall 6, looking towards the main entrance of the hall – this leads into the main access corridor, and through onto the loading bay, which is just visible hereThe doorways have been rough-cut to enable access at slab and deck level, ahead of final cuts and installation at their finished heights (accounting for the raised access flooring)The main first floor corridor connects the expansion to the current live footprint, providing access to the new data halls, as well as onward access to the amenities within the new spaceHere we see the installation of the walls which will form part of the cold corridor area within Data Hall 5, as trim finishes also begin to see installationThe area to the side of Data Hall 5 will be home to new offices and a high specification meeting room – the far end wall visible here, at the end of the first floor corridor, will be the breach point location for this floor, connecting into the live side of the facilityThere will be another corridor positioned here for access to the three rooms on this end of the building, however as this will be entirely glazed, this will be installed further into the projectHere we see the two ground floor corridors as captured from their intersection point – this location is also home to another breach, into the ground floor of the front-of-house areaThis view of Data Hall 5 shows the initial shell close to completion, ahead of doors, floors and ceilings – some of this will follow later, as there will be a significant round of containment works due ahead of thenData sheets have been placed around the facility to aid in the installation of the door sets, as well as the datum lines for finished floor heights and checker platingThe back end of the ground floor is home to the new UPS and power distribution rooms, as well as the new service corridors for cable route managementOne of the next modifications to the new wall structure will be the cutting of any required cable penetrations between rooms and floors
We can now look at the breach works, which were definitely a significant milestone on-site:
The hoarding installed within the ground and first floor corridors (within the active side of the facility) have since been over-clad with more attractive covers – these serve as dust penetration protection, and can act as temporary routes into the new space during the buildHere we see the breach of the ground floor, which sits behind the hoarding visible on each floor of the active facility – all cuts at this stage are ‘roughed in’, ahead of final cutting and flashing, and of course the installation of double doorsHere’s a view of the first floor breach underway – the building steels require modification here, which involves the installation of a fully custom steel frame insertThe horizontal building steel seen here, which forms part of the fabric of the building, will be cut away, with a full replacement steel frame to be installed in its placeA view of the first floor breach, as seen from the new office area, with the entrance to Data Hall 5 on the left, and the first floor loading access door on the rightThere will be a full timelapse of the entire envelope installation – from empty space to finished shell – coming later in the projectWhile slightly obstructed from view here, the new end-to-end corridor runs, following the breach works, are certainly impressiveHere we can see the new steel reinforcement frame in place, as seen from the ground floor breach location – the finished raised floor and ceiling, along with the checker plate, is visible on the other side of the breachThe new steel frame sits within a very tight space – between the two mezzanine structures on each side of the facility – and uses a combination of bolted fixings and welding to marry into the buildingThe top of the new frame can be seen here on the first floor, along with the various required repairs to the block wall, now that the installation access requirements are complete – this will all be hidden behind new wall panels and flashingsThis is the view from the existing ground floor corridor, through the temporary hoarding, into the new ground floor corridorThe view is quite impressive, and gives an idea of the forthcoming scale of the expanded siteThere are two further block wall breaches within the build schedule – this is the third, which connects the ground floor corridors to the reception area, and additional office spaceThe other side of this third breach shows the door installation underway, at raised floor height – there will be many further modifications to make to this side to reach completion, including stairs and a ceiling well
Here are some additional shots from around the site:
The side return yard of the new expansion space is large, and will house extended parking, as well as required plant equipment for the new data halls – this will of course be fully enclosed with new perimeter security, to match that of the existing spaceThe window manifestations have been installed on all relevant panels, to match the active side of the facilityThe new reception area on this side of the facility will primarily serve as a staff entrance, with the main entrance for clients remaining on the current side of the siteThe corner profile of the new expansion shows the full-wrap access that this side of the facility is affordedAll of the ground floor window manifestations are installed, including black-out manifestations on windows covered by new internal walls towards the rear half of the space – some of the comfort cooling and fresh air system equipment can be seen here
As expected, progress continues at great pace at this stage in the project, in tandem with Phase 2 works on the active side of the facility (more to come on that soon).
Work on the London East expansion continues at pace as we head into February, with sizable progress made on the first stage of the envelope.
This allows us to see the various spaces within the new footprint realised for the first time, as the walls for the data halls, access corridors, and all other areas begin to section off the internal space.
Let’s get straight to it with the updates:
A final look across to the completed mezzanine ahead of the envelope works getting underwayThe column casings were the final element of the mezzanine installation, which are for fire protection and to provide a matching finish for the wall systemThe top surface of the mezzanine has now had its protective coating laid down, which will be covered by the raised floor in due courseHere’s another view of the insulated coverings which block off the skylights, which will be further covered by the hung ceilings in due courseThe first delivery of the Eurobond wall system arriving on-site, which is the same system deployed in the current footprint at NLEThere’s around 15 tons of wall panels as part of the envelope within the new expansionThe wall panels are stored in pre-marked stacks based on their installation location, ahead of customisation (where required) and fitmentHaving the stacks pre-marked allows for each bundle to be moved to the installation area as appropriateWe’ve erected part of the heavy-duty pallet racking which will live permanently in the loading bay area of the new space – this will house various construction components and materials during the buildOnce the build phase is complete, the racking will be extended, and will cover a large portion of the new loading bay areaA view of the first wall sections being installed on the first floorThis is the main corridor wall that will be home to the entrance to Data Hall 5Here we look across to the wall system installation that will enclose Data Hall 5, from the eventual location of the new meeting roomThe enclosure of Data Hall 5 continues to take shape, as the envelope installation works push aheadFor context on positioning, this view shows the space for Data Hall 5 on the left, and the current opening down into the loading bay, with the position of the temporary barriers here sat inside what will become the access corridor and loading access for the first floorThis is a view of the same area from the ground floor loading bay, which now also shows the installation of the wall for the perpendicular access corridor which will lead to the new offices, meeting room, and break out areaAnother view from what will become the cold corridor area within Data Hall 5, as works continueThis is the view from the eventual meeting room location, looking down towards the forthcoming offices, and the eventual location of the wall breach which will lead through to the break out area and additional office / NOC spaceA view of the same wall from the first floor corridor – this encloses Data Hall 5, and will become the junction point between the two first floor access corridorsThe ground floor main access corridor seen with both walls part way through installation, looking towards the breach area which will connect the ground floor to the current footprintA view of both floors progressing with access corridor walling, which will provide both entry points to the new data halls, and also level loading capabilities to each floorOngoing inspections of progress by the Netwise design team are undertaken multiple times each dayThis is the view from one of the new UPS and power distribution rooms, looking across to Data Hall 6, ahead of further access corridor walling being installed in the foregroundA view from inside Data Hall 6, with further walling stock as installation of the envelope continuesHere we see preparation ahead of the main run of enclosing wall on the first floor, which requires a custom drop mounting systemAnother view of preparation work underway, ahead of installing the next main run of wallingFurther progress on access corridors within the ground floorThe view from one of the new cable access corridors, looking across the new UPS and power distribution area ahead of further sub-division of roomsThe temporary site fencing has had additional branding applied to more clearly indicate the expansion project to visitors
We’re very pleased with progress, and the whole Netwise team is very excited to see the new space take shape in such a tangible way. The next update will show the completion of the walling phase of the envelope installation, at which point our team will begin installing first stage containment and a certian level of flood cabling, before the install of the ceilings and raised floors.
All of this work follows on from the completion of the mezzanine sub-structure, which we captured in a timelapse much like last time:
The timelapse of the mezzanine install inside of the NLE expansion, comprised of ~7,000 photos
There are plenty more updates to come, with no let up on the pace of progress at this stage, so watch this space for further updates on the expansion works. We have further updates coming soon on the final part of Phase 2 works, which will see the completion and onlining of Data Hall 3.
Our significant expansion of Netwise London East (NLE) is now well underway, which is Phase 3 of development at our flagship data centre.
This will result in the addition of two new data halls, alongside a range of additional amenities and site features. Works began in December 2024, and will continue throughout 2025, with various completion milestones at multiple stages along the way.
The main focus at this stage is the installation of the new mezzanine, as this forms the basis of the entire internal sub-structure, around which we build our facilities (as seen at our London Central site, and also the current footprint at London East).
Here are some photo updates from the early stages of Phase 3:
Some of the earliest works centred around a full internal and external renovation of the new unit, including a significant amount of work on the roofThe exterior cladding of the building also enjoyed a full refinish, which will become evident in later photosThis is the view across to the expansion project within the new unit, from the existing facility entrance / footprintThe inside of the new space also required significant refurbishment before our main works schedule beganThe front-of-house areas also got completely ripped out ahead of a total refurbishmentWe’ll be adding further office and administration spaces in this new side of the facility, and the existing upstairs office also saw a full strip-out ahead of refurbishmentThis is the main frontage of the extended footprint after the completion of the initial refurbishment, ahead of our main works schedule commencingThis space will become a second / extended NOC and operations space, after the initial refurbishment, and with the new carpet covered ready for the next phase of work to beginThe site has been fully prepared for our main work schedule here, including all protective covering of newly installed surfaces, and the various required temporary site boards and signage in placeThe temporary signage extends to all areas of the siteOne of the existing ground floor spaces has become the on-site canteen and break room, ready for the various contractors that will be working on-site in the coming monthsOne of the early stage jobs, beyond our initial laser survey of the space, is to laser plot the main column locations for the new mezzanine sub-structureWith such a high degree of accuracy required for the installation of the mezzanine, collaboration between engineers, project managers and installers is keyA view across the main space, as column locations are marked up according to the installation plansHere are some of the many heavy-duty custom steel columns as delivered, ahead of installationA view across the main space, following the initial refurbishment, as the main work schedule beginsAnother view across the main space, following the initial refurbishment, as the main work schedule beginsThe mezzanine sub-structure is a surprisingly quick component to install, with much of the work front-loaded during the planning and engineering phaseThe mezzanine is installed in bays / sections, and progresses across the space from the initial column locationsA view of the mezzanine progress from the rear corner of the new spaceWe have an installation timelapse of the mezzanine install, which we’ll be making available in the near future – 19,000 photos in total!Here we see part of the structure standing in isolation, ahead of the installation of the purlins that will make up this particular bayThis is the underside of a partially complete bayHere we see further progress, as the temporary safety netting is installed to the underside of the mezzanine ahead of installing the top surfaceThe main beams are partially assembled on the ground, ahead of lifting into placeA view of progress as the mezzanine structure continues to take shapeA view of the underside of the structure, as top surface boards begin to be positionedThe boards are fixed to the structure, and will form the initial face upon which the next stage is built, which will be the main envelopeHere we look down from the partially completed half of the structure, which will continue across this span to the far side of the spaceDespite the expansion project taking place within an adjoining unit to the existing live footprint, the two spaces will be combined into a single facility – as part of this, we will be breaching between the two units; we have installed temporary dust and fire barriers, ahead of the cut through processHere we can see the initial breach of the outer skin of the envelope within the ground floor corridorProgress continues with the mezzanine installationThe view here is taken from what will eventually be the cooling plant area for Data Hall 6 – the two halls within this new expansion will be larger than those within the current footprint, each housing three containment podsThe final columns being cross-checked after installation, as the mezzanine continues towards completionA view back across the mezzanine structure, as works progressThe scissor lifts work in conjunction with our forklift in getting components to the correct height for installationThe view looks across the area that will make up Data Hall 6 on the ground floor of the new spaceThis view is from the approximate eventual location of Pod 3 within Data Hall 6All parts of the steel structure are now complete, with only the remaining top surface installation to goThe view here looks across to the outside face of the facility, which will house offices, a new meeting room, and supporting electrical infrastructure for the new data hallsThis is the view from the top surface as it continues towards completion – this is taken from the eventual first floor corridor, looking into the area that will house Data Hall 5The top surface installation continues hereMembers of the Netwise team undertake regular inspections as part of the installation processThis view sits on the edge of what will become the B-side UPS and switchgear room for the two new data halls, and the associated cable access corridor (a new cable handling methodology that we’re deploying as part of the expansion) – the new meeting room will be directly above thisHere we see the underside of the completed mezzanine structureAnother view of the completed mezzanine, as viewed from the eventual location of Pod 3 in Data Hall 6, looking towards the eventual location of the UPS rooms and cable access corridorsThe completed structure, as seen from the new loading bay area, with temporary barriers in place until the envelope is installedThe next action on the underside of the mezzanine structure will be the column encasementsHere we see the top side of the new structure, as some minor additional works begin on the sky lightsThis is the view from the eventual location of Pod 3 within Data Hall 5, looking across to the eventual location of the new offices and meeting spaceOur scaffold tower is being used for roof-level access now that the top surface is completeThe insulation and closure of the sky lights can be seen underway hereAll of the sky lights above the data halls will be insulated and closed off as part of the pre-envelope works, which replicates the setup in the existing live data hallsOur facilities team are undertaking this work, ahead of the next major contractor stage – the envelopeThe view down into the new loading bay, as viewed from the edge of the mezzanine, where the access corridor will be located – there will be level loading capabilities here, as with the existing loading bay
As you can see, we’ve been able to make quite an impressive start to the project. To have the mezzanine complete in the first week of January sets up our work schedule incredibly well, allowing for the envelope to begin later this month.
We have also now started a range of other preparatory works ahead of this, including the insulation and closure of the skylights, encasement of the columns with fire protection, and some of the breaching works for interconnecting the units and other internal areas.
We have more updates coming as part of Phase 2 soon also, so watch this space for plenty more build content throughout Q1 2025 and beyond.
