FES was appointed as Principal Contractor to design, build and operate modular data centre spaces for a global integrated cloud, application and platform services provider.

The Data Centres were specifically built to provide high levels of resilience, availability, and security designed to ensure that customers can benefit from their cloud computing services.

The contract involved the formation of secure Modular Tier 3 Data Centre spaces constructed inside the former 160,000 sq. ft. manufacturing hall, comprising of composite steel panels (SEAP rated to LPS 1175).

Mechanical Services included energy efficient adiabatic free – air cooling, water services, controls systems and sprinkler systems.

Electrical Services included 11kv HV switchgear, 11kv dual 1600 kW generators, 1MW UPS & LV distribution and full BMS control solution. FES was also appointed to provide full MPO fibre and category 6A Infrastructure cabling to support network, server and storage connectivity.

The contract also involves a maintain, operate and 24/7 reactive service for the MEP and infrastructure services within the data centre spaces.

FES is proud to have been selected as Main Contractor to deliver a brand new state-of-the-art data centre to support one of the largest universities in the South of England.

The construction of the new Primary Data Centre entailed the redevelopment of an existing building. The existing industrial until built circa 1995 comprised 2×750 m2 halls and 680 m2 office space under a single portal frame roof structure.

The scheme provided a Tier II data centre supporting circa 700 kw IT Load across 73 racks, to be via in row cooling (LCP) rake based units general cooling as otherwise required.

The requirement included: the design, installation and commissioning of all supporting services including HV and LV supplies, UPS, generators, cooling systems, BMS, fire alarm, fire suppression. The ICT specialist fit out was also included as part of the contract and was installed by FES Communications Division.

Building works entailed the construction of new internal structure and compartmentation to form the new data hall and other internal plant areas.  The new operational areas include a ‘disaster recovery room’ and general office accommodation. An external plant compound to house cooling plant, generators, fuel storage and associated supporting equipment was also designed and constructed.

External works also included reconfiguration of the external car park and provision of security elements to protect the new asset. FES provided the full turnkey solution utilising in-house services.