“This is a nationally significant project that will help to drive data security, energy and food security for the UK for decades to come.
“’Although we will be using a small amount of greenbelt, this development represents substantial economic and skills opportunities for the borough. Currently this land is not accessible to the public, and this project will enhance the biodiversity of the area for residents to enjoy.
“It also has the potential to provide a boost to much-needed Council finances from new business rates payments, new jobs for Havering residents, developing training and skills, as well as opening up to 300 acres as a new ecology park for everyone to enjoy. All of which are opportunities for the borough and our residents, as well as the UK as a whole, that are frankly too good to pass up.”
Piers Slater, Co-founder of Digital Reef, said:
“We are extremely excited to be launching a project of this magnitude and ambition in the London Borough of Havering. This landmark project strengthens the UK’s digital, energy and food resilience whilst bringing significant inward investment and taking Havering on a pathway to net zero through the Zero Carbon Initiative.
“We are delighted that the project will deliver tangible benefits to the people of Havering through the creation of high value jobs, digital skills programmes, and the provision of publicly accessible, and ecologically rich, open green space. Through the Zero Carbon Initiative the London Borough of Havering will be the testbed for pioneering research and innovation driving the realisation of a Zero Carbon future for all. The project will also play a critical role in supporting the growing data and digital economy, with the economic growth generated resonating across the UK providing the platform for the government to deliver their Digital Strategy 2022 whilst cementing the country’s position as a ‘Global Science and Tech Superpower’.”
The news follows the publication of the United Kingdom prosperity index for 2022 by the Legatum Institute, which ranks Havering as 14th in the top 380 local authorities for investment environments