Giant data centre campus part of 1,100 jobs plan for former aluminium works on Anglesey
A massive data centre campus is part of multi-million pound plans to redevelop a former aluminium works on Anglesey. Smelting came to an end at the Anglesey Aluminium site in 2009 – with Orthios later taking it on and developing a materials recycling facility.
But the business collapsed in 2022 with up to 100 staff losing their jobs. Later that year ferry operator Stena Line – which has owned and operated Holyhead port for nearly 30 years – bought the 213 acre site.
They said the new site – named Prosperity Parc – has the potential to provide additional land and services to existing customers and attract new long-term uses and investment to Holyhead. Now a massive scheme has been revealed in a development that could eventually create between 1,000 and 2,000 jobs – as well as around 900 roles in the construction phase.
This would include a potential huge data centre campus in a development space of up to 238,000sqm. The proposals also include up to 10,000 sqm of office space, and up to 5,000 sqm research and development space. There would also be Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) with a target capacity of up to 349MW.
The application is from Stena subsidiary Anglesey Land Holdings. A pre-application consultation has been launched by Cadnant Planning.
Stena Line has also announced, as a result of the proposals for Prosperity Parc coming forward, that they have been able to expand the ambition and scale of their investment by securing more than 100 acres of land immediately south of Prosperity Parc, across the A55 North Wales Expressway, in the area around Cae Glas. In addition, Stena Line has also taken ownership of the former 2Sisters site in Llangefni, adding a further ten acres of land to their commitment to the island..
In a statement about the data centre plans, agent Oxalis Planning said:
The site benefits from access to very large amounts of grid power, as well as good access to strategic telecommunications links to Ireland, the wider UK, and beyond. Coupled with Anglesey’s potential to support a range of new energy generation sources, this makes the site particularly well suited to data centres.
On operational jobs, they said it was,
They added:
Estimated to be at least 1,151, but potentially up to 2,073 depending on end-user and occupier final requirements.
“The data centre proposals will include a range of jobs across a variety of technical and skill levels involved in operating and supporting the day to day operations of the data centre campus.”
The application is made in outline with details included about how the existing two access points from London Road (A5) will be utilised. Details in relation to the layout, scale, appearance and landscaping will be provided through reserved matters applications submitted to the Local Planning Authority in due course.
It would see existing structures removed from the site – where the famous chimney was demolished earlier this year.
In conclusion, the agent said:
The proposals to redevelop Prosperity Parc for a data centre, research and development and office space, will help deliver significant levels of jobs and investment in the site which will drive growth and bring wider socio-economic benefits to Anglesey and North Wales.
“This would include a £1 billion construction cost, 1,151 to 2,073 operational jobs at a range of skill levels, and approximately between £109 million to £274 million of additional GVA per annum for Anglesey, as well as training and up-skilling opportunities and benefits for the local area. These economic benefits will have beneficial effects on the Welsh language which would contribute towards a transformational change to the regeneration of Holyhead as an attractive place to live, work and visit. The inclusion of a BESS scheme within the proposals will also contribute towards the wider renewable energy and sustainability ambition of local and national policy.”
Ian Hampton, Executive Director at Stena Line, said:
We are really excited to share these proposals with the community. Our plans will see jobs, training and the next generation of technology come to Anglesey. By investing further in the Cae Glas land and the former 2Sisters site, we have shown how much we believe in Anglesey and how committed we are to delivering the vision of the Freeport.
“We believe our plans will protect and enhance the heritage of Anglesey, the Welsh language and the culture that we have been proud to be a part of for over 30 years. As we open our consultation on our plans, I would encourage everyone to take part, give us your feedback and help us shape the future of Prosperity Parc.”
MP for Ynys Môn, Llinos Medi MP, said:
I welcome this significant development by Stena Line in establishing Anglesey’s Freeport. It represents a major step forward after years of close collaboration between Ynys Môn County Council, Stena Line, the Welsh Government, and the UK Government.
“In my time as leader of the Council, I worked closely with Stena Line to develop the business case for this project, with a clear focus on creating thriving, prosperous communities. It’s about more than just economic growth; it’s about preserving our culture, strengthening our communities, and keeping the Welsh language alive and vibrant on Ynys Môn.”
For too long, many of our young people have had to leave their communities to find meaningful work and a secure future elsewhere. As the MP for Ynys Môn, I am deeply committed to working with partners to ensure this project provides the opportunities they deserve, so more of our talented young people can build their lives on the island.
“I am keen to play my part in ensuring that jobs, upskilling, and creating opportunities remain at the core of this project. This is a chance to shape a brighter future for our island, and I am determined to see it succeed.”
The MS for Ynys Môn, Rhun ap Iorwerth, added:
I welcome this latest development, and I’m sure that many across Ynys Môn will too. For decades, the island has been promised economic renewal, only to be let down by successive UK Governments. Now, after the hard work of the Plaid Cymru-led Isle of Anglesey County Council, in partnership with Stena Line, a plan is emerging that can make a real difference to the future of the island.
“I will continue to play my part to ensure that the island’s interests remain central to these proposals and that the people of Ynys Môn genuinely benefit from it. There’s still a long way to go to make this project one that works for everyone on Ynys Môn – and I encourage everyone to take part in Stena Line’s consultation – but I’m pleased to see steps being taken to ensure this project reaches its full potential.”
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Giant data centre campus part of 1,100 jobs plan for former aluminium works on Anglesey, source
