Latest news with #RussellWilkie
The Herald Scotland
12 hours ago
- Business
- The Herald Scotland
Ravenscraig steel works could become UK's biggest AI hub
Under plans put forward by Edinburgh and York based renewable energy developer Apatura a data centre with battery energy storage over 160 acres would be powered by 550 megawatts of grid connections due to come online by 2030. The company says the Ravenscraig data centre would harness Scotland's growing supply of renewables – using constrained wind and solar generation that's often wasted on windy, sunny days – helping to reduce grid congestion and lower consumer bills throughout the UK. Read More: Apatura says the development could bring an additional £1.2bn in economic benefit during construction, and support 2,399 long-term jobs. The development is earmarked for the site to the east of the Wishaw Deviation freight railway line, and the remaining vacant employment land, known as SevenFourEight. Strategically positioned within the Ravenscraig masterplan and with direct access to both the M74 and M8 motorways, SevenFourEight is a key industrial and business centre in Scotland's central belt. Apatura CEO Giles Hanglin said: 'This proposal plays strongly to Scotland's strengths – in green energy, in AI, in education and in skills – and would complement the country's significant capabilities in big data and research. 'We've secured the land and grid, and we're already working closely with relevant organisations locally and nationally to make sure the benefits are widely felt. 'If we were selected as an AI Growth Zone it would be a significant endorsement of our ambition to make Scotland a powerhouse of green, AI-enabled digital infrastructure – starting with Ravenscraig and extending across the central belt.' How Apatura Ravenscraig might look (Image: Apatura) Russell Wilkie, Director of Ravenscraig, said: "This is an exciting opportunity for Ravenscraig to be at the forefront of green data centres which will transform Scotland's renewable power capabilities. With grid connections in place, land secured, and a delivery team aligned, we have a fully viable site within the Ravenscraig masterplan to meet the UK's AI infrastructure needs. 'This multi-billion pound investment project is a platform for national progress, combining energy, digital infrastructure, and regional innovation to create tangible economic and social benefits for Scotland and for the wider UK economy." Pamela Nash, MP for Motherwell, Wishaw and Carluke said: 'Ravenscraig stands ready for the next chapter, a world-class digital and AI hub powered by Scotland's renewable strength, creating thousands of local jobs during construction, driving billions in economic value, and transforming post-industrial land into the beating heart of a green, future-ready economy. 'This is the kind of joined up thinking and forward-looking delivery the UK needs. It's not just about building infrastructure, it's about rebuilding prosperity, restoring pride, and delivering a new era of sustainable industry. I look forward to seeing Ravenscraig lead the way.'
Yahoo
13 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Ravenscraig site could become AI data centre in £3bn plan
Ravenscraig could be turned into one of the UK's biggest green AI data centres, under new plans put forward by a renewable energy developer. The former steelworks would become a data centre with battery energy storage, using a "supply of renewables". Developer Apatura say the £3.9bn proposal would create around 2400 jobs, of which 1044 would be permanent North Lanarkshire jobs, with 440 considered onsite roles. An independent socio-economic study calculated the centre would contribute an additional 0.4% to Scotland's annual GDP once in use. More stories from Glasgow & West Scotland More stories from Scotland The plan is currently being considered by the UK government for support via its AI Growth Zone initiative, aimed at identifying the best sites in Britain for AI projects. Apatura CEO Giles Hanglin said the company hoped to confirm Scotland as "a powerhouse of green, AI-enabled digital infrastructure" with benefits at national and local level. He said: "This proposal plays strongly to Scotland's strengths - in green energy, in AI, in education and in skills - and would complement the country's significant capabilities in big data and research. "We've secured the land and grid, and we're already working closely with relevant organisations locally and nationally to make sure the benefits are widely felt." The estimated jobs total of 2399 combines direct, indirect, and induced roles. Apatura believe the plan - being developed with North Lanarkshire Council and site owners Ravenscraig Ltd - could help reduce grid congestion and cut consumer bills. It forms part of the local authority's masterplan for the site, which aimed to bring housing, schools and businesses to the land. However that initiative ran into controversy in 2021 when families living in new homes furiously objected to plans to use the land for a major industrial site instead of previously proposed shops. During the coronavirus pandemic the site was transformed into a mass vaccine centre that lasted throughout the height of the pandemic. The data centre would take over the site to the east of the Wishaw Deviation freight railway line, and vacant employment land, known as SevenFourEight. Russell Wilkie, the director of Ravenscraig, said: "This is an exciting opportunity for Ravenscraig to be at the forefront of green data centres which will transform Scotland's renewable power capabilities. "With grid connections in place, land secured, and a delivery team aligned, we have a fully viable site within the Ravenscraig masterplan to meet the UK's AI infrastructure needs." Ravenscraig is one of five AI-ready sites the developer is progressing across Scotland's central belt. Plans unveiled for £200m Ravenscraig development Old steelworks plan given £66m boost
Scotsman
14-05-2025
- Automotive
- Scotsman
New investment at Ravenscraig as construction begins on Motus Commercials' new facility
Construction is now underway on Motus Commercials' new 38,000 sq ft commercial vehicle workshop and sales facility at Ravenscraig, following a ground-breaking ceremony at the site. Sign up to our Scotsman Money newsletter, covering all you need to know to help manage your money. Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Construction is now underway on Motus Commercials' new 38,000 sq ft commercial vehicle workshop and sales facility at Ravenscraig, following a ground-breaking ceremony at the new site. The development, located within the site's dedicated employment zone, SevenFourEight, marks a key milestone in the regeneration of one of Europe's largest brownfield sites. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Set for completion in early 2026, the purpose-built facility will support the sales, servicing, and parts supply of DAF Trucks, ensuring Motus Commercials can continue meeting growing customer demand. The UK's largest DAF dealer group is relocating from its Bellshill site to expand operations and enhance working conditions for its team. Russell Wilkie, Director at Ravenscraig Limited, and Matt Lawrenson, managing director of Motus Commercials The new investment comes after Fusion Assets received planning permission for a new £10m employment hub adjacent to the Motus Commercials site. Russell Wilkie, Director at Ravenscraig Limited, said: 'Breaking ground on this development is another step forward in Ravenscraig's transformation into a thriving business and employment hub. Motus Commercials' investment highlights the site's strategic importance and its role in driving economic growth, taking us one step further to achieving our goal of creating a thriving, self-sufficient community.' Matt Lawrenson, managing director of Motus Commercials, said: 'Breaking ground at our new Ravenscraig facility marks an exciting milestone for Motus Commercials. This purpose-built site reflects our commitment to growth and delivering best-in-class services for our customers, while also providing high-quality jobs and modern working conditions for our team. We're proud to be part of Ravenscraig's regeneration journey and look forward to the opportunities this new location will bring.'
Daily Record
14-05-2025
- Automotive
- Daily Record
Construction underway on new commercial vehicle workshop and sales facility at Ravenscraig
Set for completion in early 2026, the purpose-built facility will support the sales, servicing, and parts supply of DAF Trucks, ensuring Motus Commercials can continue meeting growing customer demand. Construction is now underway on Motus Commercials' new 38,000 sq ft commercial vehicle workshop and sales facility at Ravenscraig. The development, located within the site's dedicated employment zone, SevenFourEight, marks a key milestone in the regeneration of one of Europe's largest brownfield sites. Set for completion in early 2026, the purpose-built facility will support the sales, servicing, and parts supply of DAF Trucks, ensuring Motus Commercials can continue meeting growing customer demand. The UK's largest DAF dealer group is relocating from its Bellshill site to expand operations and enhance working conditions for its team. The new investment comes after Fusion Assets received planning permission for a new £10m employment hub adjacent to the Motus Commercials site. Russell Wilkie, director at Ravenscraig Limited, said: 'Breaking ground on this development is another step forward in Ravenscraig's transformation into a thriving business and employment hub. 'Motus Commercials' investment highlights the site's strategic importance and its role in driving economic growth, taking us one step further to achieving our goal of creating a thriving, self-sufficient community.' Matt Lawrenson, managing director of Motus Commercials, added: 'Breaking ground at our new Ravenscraig facility marks an exciting milestone for Motus Commercials. 'This purpose-built site reflects our commitment to growth and delivering best-in-class services for our customers, while also providing high-quality jobs and modern working conditions for our team. 'We're proud to be part of Ravenscraig's regeneration journey and look forward to the opportunities this new location will bring.' With direct motorway access and additional development plots available, Ravenscraig continues to attract investment, strengthening its position as a key industrial hub in Scotland's central belt. *Don't miss the latest headlines from around Lanarkshire. Sign up to our newsletters here. And did you know Lanarkshire Live is on Facebook? Head on over and give us a like and share!
