Protesters turn out to make point about Blackpool's ambitious Silicon Sands data centre project
“We must be careful that growth doesn’t damage our environment and put pressure on our resources.”
Banner-holding protesters have raised concerns over an ambitious data centre project earmarked for Blackpool
The campaigners say that while the huge advantages of the Silicon Sands scheme have so far been publicly highlighted, there have been no discussions about any potential drawbacks that may be entailed.
The ‘Stop Silicon Sands’ group says there are concerns that the site could potentially generate significant levels of light, noise and waste pollution which could cause damage to the environment for both residents and wildlife – and also drain resources such as water and electricity.
Silicon Sands, anticipated to open within the Blackpool Airport Enterprise Zone later next year, has been hailed by Blackpool Council as a ‘game changer’ which will attract top companies and much-needed high quality jobs to the town.
Expected to bring up to £14 billion to the region, it is proposed the scheme can do this by developing a sustainable, digital-led technology and data campus which will offer businesses better and more efficient online connectivity.
A number of large data centres have attracted considerable controversy in the United States because of the huge amount of resources – water and electricity – they use, and campaigners across the Atlantic have been quick to challenge them.
But Blackpool Council, which is leading the Silicon Sands project, says this scheme is different and will employ an innovative, more environmentally friendly method of production which should not be confused with the other models.
Members of Blackpool and Fylde Green Party joined with the Anti Data Centre Alliance and Doing Something About It to stage the demonstration, which attracted 15 protesters on the day.
What they say
Jayne Walsh, members secretary of the local Green Party branch, said: “We are only too aware that Blackpool needs jobs, opportunities and investment.
“But we must be careful that growth doesn’t damage our environment and put pressure on our resources.
“Data centres generally use massive amounts of water and electricity. I know this one in Blackpool is being hailed as environmentally friendly but we must hold the Government, businesses and the local authority to account to ensure that we will actually get local jobs for local people. – and that it doesn’t cause environmental harm.”
She added: “The national Green Party wants to bring in more stringent rules on data centres to protect water and electricity supplies.”
Another campaigner, Fleetwood charity shop worker Caryl Archer, said: “ Silicon Sands sounds great in practice but it is important that we know more about how this thing will operate.
“The more we are finding out, the more questions we find ourselves asking.”
Blackpool Council says it is planning to do just that next year, by holding a number of public consultation events to better inform residents and tackle any ongoing confusion.
Cllr Jane Hugo, Blackpool Council’s cabinet member for climate change, said: “It’s important that Silicon Sands is not confused with the large-scale data centres that people may have read about elsewhere in the world.
“Silicon Sands plans to do data centres differently, putting sustainability and local benefit at its core.
“We have a real opportunity in Blackpool to lead the way in greener, sustainable digital infrastructure, by creating a data centre that operates using renewable energy, uses closed loop water cooling and maximises opportunities to reuse waste heat for local buildings.
“The wider Silicon Sands project is about much more than a single building. It is about creating a digital business campus that can attract investment to the Fylde Coast, supporting innovation, creating well-paid jobs and providing new opportunities for local people and future generations.
“We understand that some residents have questions and concerns about the plans for Silicon Sands, and we welcome that conversation.”
Cllr Hugo said the council was working with delivery partner Hochtief to plan a series of community engagement sessions early next year, where local residents and businesses will be able to find out more about the plans for Silicon Sands.