ACT secure data centre proposal

The ACT government has allowed ActewAGL to lease a block of land in Hume for the development of a gas-fired power station and secure data centre.

The Canberra Technology City proposal aims to develop a world-first data centre campus to create a comprehensive, long-term data solution for Australian and international organisations.

"Canberra, as the nation's capital and a world leader in the field of information technology, is an ideal location for such a development," said Chief Minister Jon Stanhope.

"The CTC proposal would deliver many benefits for the ACT, making us leaders in data centre infrastructure, facilities and services, and attracting high-value data centre tenants, such as global financial institutions and their skilled workforces."

A consortium of partners has combined to come up with the CTC proposal, including ActewAGL, Technical Real Estate (a developer and owner of the data centres), Galileo Connect (a UK-based world leader in engineering and designer of future-proofed data centres) and CB Richard Ellis (global property and leasing services).

The ACT proposal is in response to an increase in demand over the last two years for high-powered, secure data centres that can be upgraded and expanded with no down time.

The gas-fired power station would sell electricity to the "mission-critical' data centres, which would be leased to commercial customers.

The offer of the 21-hectare site opposite the Mugga Lane landfill, 600 m west of the Monaro Highway, is available for 12 months. During this time, ActewAGL will undertake further investigations and obtain any approvals necessary for the development. If approved, construction of the facility is scheduled to start early in 2009.