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.

by Matt Seaton

London East Phase 3 Development Update 3

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:

Envelope
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 course
Envelope
The main corridor on the ground floor sits directly below that of the first floor
Envelope
The 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)
Envelope
The shell of Data Hall 6 on the ground floor is an ideal place for the storage of materials, prior to use
Envelope
Another 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 here
Envelope
The 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)
Envelope
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 space
Envelope
Here 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 installation
Envelope
The 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 facility
Envelope
There 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 project
Envelope
Here 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 area
Envelope
This 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 then
Envelope
Data 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 plating
Envelope
The 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 management
Envelope
One 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:

Envelope
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 build
Breach
Here 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 doors
Breach
Here’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 insert
Breach
The 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 place
Breach
A 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 right
Breach
There will be a full timelapse of the entire envelope installation – from empty space to finished shell – coming later in the project
Envelope
While slightly obstructed from view here, the new end-to-end corridor runs, following the breach works, are certainly impressive
Breach
Here 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 breach
Breach
The 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 building
Breach
The 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 flashings
Breach
This is the view from the existing ground floor corridor, through the temporary hoarding, into the new ground floor corridor
Breach
The view is quite impressive, and gives an idea of the forthcoming scale of the expanded site
Breach
There 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 space
Breach
The 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:

Exterior
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 space
Windows
The window manifestations have been installed on all relevant panels, to match the active side of the facility
Windows
The 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 site
Windows
The corner profile of the new expansion shows the full-wrap access that this side of the facility is afforded
Windows
All 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).

We look forward to sharing more with you soon.

by Matt Seaton

London East Phase 3 Development Update 2

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:

Mezz
A final look across to the completed mezzanine ahead of the envelope works getting underway
Mezz
The column casings were the final element of the mezzanine installation, which are for fire protection and to provide a matching finish for the wall system
Mezz
The top surface of the mezzanine has now had its protective coating laid down, which will be covered by the raised floor in due course
Mezz
Here’s another view of the insulated coverings which block off the skylights, which will be further covered by the hung ceilings in due course
Envelope
The first delivery of the Eurobond wall system arriving on-site, which is the same system deployed in the current footprint at NLE
Envelope
There’s around 15 tons of wall panels as part of the envelope within the new expansion
Envelope
The wall panels are stored in pre-marked stacks based on their installation location, ahead of customisation (where required) and fitment
Envelope
Having the stacks pre-marked allows for each bundle to be moved to the installation area as appropriate
Pallet Racking
We’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 build
Pallet Racking
Once the build phase is complete, the racking will be extended, and will cover a large portion of the new loading bay area
Envelope
A view of the first wall sections being installed on the first floor
Envelope
This is the main corridor wall that will be home to the entrance to Data Hall 5
Envelope
Here we look across to the wall system installation that will enclose Data Hall 5, from the eventual location of the new meeting room
Envelope
The enclosure of Data Hall 5 continues to take shape, as the envelope installation works push ahead
Envelope
For 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 floor
Envelope
This 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 area
Envelope
Another view from what will become the cold corridor area within Data Hall 5, as works continue
Envelope
This 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 space
Envelope
A 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 corridors
Envelope
The 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 footprint
Envelope
A 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 floor
Envelope
Ongoing inspections of progress by the Netwise design team are undertaken multiple times each day
Envelope
This 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 foreground
Envelope
A view from inside Data Hall 6, with further walling stock as installation of the envelope continues
Envelope
Here we see preparation ahead of the main run of enclosing wall on the first floor, which requires a custom drop mounting system
Envelope
Another view of preparation work underway, ahead of installing the next main run of walling
Envelope
Further progress on access corridors within the ground floor
Envelope
The view from one of the new cable access corridors, looking across the new UPS and power distribution area ahead of further sub-division of rooms
Exterior
The 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.