McLaren Construction has secured a shell-and-core contract to deliver the first building at Ada Infrastructure’s Docklands data centre campus in east London.
The contractor was officially appointed by Ada Infrastructure to build the first of three data centre buildings at the campus in the Royal Docks.
Construction News understands that McLaren has been on site undertaking enabling works since October 2024, and the main contract was signed on 30 January 2026.
McLaren’s package includes campus-wide infrastructure works and provision for a future district heating network interface.
Its shell-and-core contract is due for completion in mid-2028, with the first building scheduled to be ready for occupation by the end of that year.
McLaren’s supply chain for the scheme includes Keltbray Environmental (continuous flight augur piling), Menard (bimodulous column piling), Gallagher (groundworks) and William Hare (steel frame).
The overall project will comprise three data centre buildings, each capable of drawing up to 70MW of power at peak capacity.
The campus also includes a community multi-purpose facility and public realm improvements.
Other works include repairs and upgrades to the River Thames wall and construction of a new flood defence barrier, as well as enhanced pedestrian and cycle routes along the River Thames.
The data centre buildings will use air and liquid cooling systems designed to operate without water evaporation.
The scheme also incorporates 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.
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