Contractor signs main deal for the first of three Royal Docks data centre buildings, with campus infrastructure works and district heating provision included in the package.
McLaren Construction has secured the shell-and-core contract for the first building at Ada Infrastructure’s Docklands data centre campus in east London.
The contractor has been formally appointed to deliver the first of three data centre buildings at the Royal Docks site. Construction News understands McLaren had already been carrying out enabling works since October 2024, with the main contract signed on 30 January 2026.
Its package covers not only the first building, but wider campus infrastructure works and provision for a future district heating network interface.
The shell-and-core contract is scheduled for completion in mid-2028. The first building is then due to be ready for occupation by the end of that year.
Three-building campus takes shape
The wider development will comprise three data centre buildings, each capable of drawing up to 70MW of power at peak capacity.
Alongside the core data centre provision, the scheme also includes a community multi-purpose facility and public realm improvements.
Other works across the site include repairs and upgrades to the River Thames wall, construction of a new flood defence barrier, and enhanced pedestrian and cycle routes along the River Thames.
Supply chain and performance requirements
McLaren’s supply chain on the project includes Keltbray Environmental for continuous flight augur piling, Menard for bimodulous column piling, Gallagher for groundworks and William Hare for the steel frame.
The data centre buildings are designed to use air and liquid cooling systems that operate without water evaporation. The scheme also includes low-carbon building materials and connections for a district heating system.
Ada Infrastructure’s campus has been designed by architects TTSP to achieve a BREEAM Excellent rating.
Source: McLaren secures Docklands data centre shell-and-core job via Construction News
