Key Points
- Vantage Data Centers opened its LHR21 facility, also called LHR2, in Park Royal, West London in September 2025.
- The data centre spans 194,000 sq ft with a capacity of about 20 MW of IT load.
- Construction contract was awarded to Glencar, a prominent UK contractor, as reported in April 2023.
- LHR21 is a six-storey building near Heathrow Airport on a 1.2-acre campus.
- Glencar collaborated with Essex Services Group (ESG) under a “Contractor Alliance” to deliver the project.
- The facility boasts advanced electrical equipment, climate-independent cooling systems, and top-tier physical and electronic security.
- Project marks Glencar’s first major data centre venture.
- Sustainability and energy efficiency are key priorities in design and operation.
What is the Significance of Vantage Data Centers’ LHR21 in London?
As reported by Construction Review Online on 27 April 2023, Vantage Data Centers’ £250 million LHR21 data centre facility officially opened in September 2025. The project reinforces Vantage’s expansion in London’s data centre market with its second campus located in the Park Royal district of West London.
The new facility covers approximately 194,000 square feet and is engineered to support about 20 megawatts (MW) of IT power capacity. Positioned near Heathrow Airport, the LHR21 site is strategically important for delivering online data services to a wide range of businesses and enterprises across the capital and beyond.
Who Was Awarded the Construction Contract for LHR21 and Why?
As reported by a Construction Review Online correspondent, the contract for LHR21’s construction was awarded to Glencar in April 2023. Glencar is recognised as one of the UK’s most successful privately-owned contractors with extensive experience in industrial and temperature-controlled facility projects.
Eddie McGillycuddy, CEO of Glencar, emphasised the milestone in a statement quoted on Glencar’s official website:
“Securing this project with Vantage Data Centres is a real achievement for Glencar as we enter the Data Centre space. Many members of our team have extensive experience in this field. However, this is our first significant project under the Glencar name, and Vantage has been a fantastic partner from the beginning.”
Glencar’s specialised data centre team managed the preparation of the 1.2-acre Park Royal site and led the six-storey building development. The project collaboration extended to Essex Services Group (ESG), known for their expertise in building services for data centres, as part of the “Contractor Alliance” to meet the demanding construction and technical requirements.
What State-of-the-Art Features Does the LHR21 Facility Offer?
According to coverage from Construction Review Online, the LHR21 facility integrates advanced electrical infrastructure designed for maximum operational efficiency and reliability. The centre is equipped with climate-independent cooling systems, which allow the data centre to maintain optimal environmental conditions irrespective of external weather.
In addition, the facility features robust physical and electronic security systems, including industry-leading security management to protect both data and infrastructure integrity.
How Is Environmental Responsibility Addressed in LHR21’s Design?
Vantage Data Centers has prioritised sustainability in the LHR21 facility’s development. The cooling and electrical systems have been selected to minimise environmental impact and improve energy efficiency. These choices align with broader industry trends towards greener data centre operations.
What Are the Project Timeline and Future Plans?
The data centre was completed and operational by September 2025. Glencar anticipates future collaboration opportunities with Vantage based on the successful delivery of the LHR21 facility.
Eddie McGillycuddy stated,
“We developed a successful plan to carry out this project in London. Thanks to our involvement during the planning and pre-construction phases and our in-depth understanding of highly specialised industrial, pharmaceutical, and temperature-controlled facilities. In the upcoming weeks, we look forward to beginning our work with Vantage and on-site operations.”
