Avonmouth Data Centre
Rivington Energy has submitted a planning application to Bristol City Council for Avonmouth Data Centre, a state‑of‑the‑art digital infrastructure facility located within Avonmouth’s established industrial area. The proposal will repurpose the former Polymers Recycling Facility to provide modern, highly efficient data centre infrastructure that supports the growing demand for digital services and cloud computing.
The planning application was submitted to Bristol City Council in June 2026. The planning reference is: 26/12083/F
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The proposal
Avonmouth Data Centre will repurpose the former Polymers Recycling Facility to provide modern, highly efficient data centre infrastructure that supports the growing demand for digital services and cloud computing. It will be to 40MW and powered through a diverse and resilient energy strategy, combining electricity from the adjacent Energy Recovery Facility (ERF), the National Grid, rooftop solar photovoltaic (PV) panels and on-site fuel cell technology. This multi-source approach will provide a secure, efficient and lower-carbon energy supply, enhancing energy resilience while supporting the long‑term sustainability of the development.
The project is expected to support approximately 400-600 direct jobs during construction, with a peak on‑site workforce of around 100 workers, creating opportunities for local contractors, suppliers and service providers. Once operational, the facility will support approximately 10–15 permanent skilled jobs in engineering, facilities management and technical operations, while generating additional employment through maintenance activities and the wider supply chain.
By bringing a previously developed industrial site back into productive use and incorporating low‑carbon energy technologies, the Avonmouth Data Centre will deliver economic, social and environmental benefits for Bristol and the wider region.
43% increase in onsite biodiversity
Up to 40MW powered through a diverse and resilient energy strategy
400-600 jobs during construction
Location & size
The Avonmouth Data Centre is proposed on the site of the former Polymers Recycling Facility at Viridor Avonmouth ERF, Severn Road, Avonmouth, Bristol. Located within Avonmouth’s established industrial area, the development will predominantly repurpose and retrofit the existing Polymers Recycling Facility building for use as a modern data centre, thereby making efficient use of previously developed land. The proposal also includes associated infrastructure, landscaping and access improvements, with the majority of the site’s existing buildings and hardstanding retained as part of the redevelopment.
The proposed data centre development will comprise buildings with a maximum height of approximately 34.7 metres. The overall site extends to approximately 54,725 m², of which around 30,073 m² will be occupied by the data centre buildings, including the retained existing building, associated plant gantries and ancillary structures. The development has been designed to make efficient use of the previously developed site while consolidating operational infrastructure within a defined footprint.
Biodiversity, landscaping & ecology
The development has been designed to minimise habitat loss, retain and enhance green infrastructure where possible, and incorporate new landscaping, including species-rich grassland, mixed scrub and the planting of 63 native trees. A dedicated biodiversity enhancement area will be created within the site, delivering an overall increase of 1.20 biodiversity units, equating to a 43.39% Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG), significantly exceeding the statutory 10% requirement. All biodiversity enhancements will be delivered on-site and managed for a minimum of 30 years, ensuring a lasting positive contribution to local biodiversity.
A full Ecological Impact Assessment has been submitted as part of the planning application. Ecological surveys found no significant ecological constraints on the site. While records of protected species such as bats, great crested newts, badgers and notable bird species exist within the wider area, the site itself provides limited suitable habitat and is unlikely to support significant populations. Appropriate precautionary mitigation measures will nevertheless be implemented during construction.
The site is located approximately 0.6km from the internationally designated Severn Estuary SPA, SAC and Ramsar Site. The assessment concludes that the proposed development will not adversely affect these designated sites or their qualifying features.
Water cooling system and usage
The critical chilled-water cooling system at the proposed Avonmouth Data Centre is a closed, sealed, recirculating system. It does not use water as an evaporative cooling medium and does not consume water continuously once filled and commissioned.
The water-cooling system is expected to be filled once, with a volume of fluid comparable to that of around six days waters use at an 18-hole golf course. The cooling system does not draw on water from the Severn Estuary and once commissioned, it is expected to use a volume of fluid comparable to that of a typical office building for day-to-day functions. The estimated total water volume within the data centre cooling system is estimated to be approximately 2995m³ and the fluid for the system will be delivered to site via tanker.
The building itself will be connected to the mains water supply for standard uses such as kitchen and welfare facilities.
Supporting the community
Over the construction period it is anticipated 400-600 direct jobs will be created with up to 15 long terms jobs created once operational.
Local businesses and the broader region will be well placed to tender for supply chain opportunities, including opportunities such as landscaping, security, and construction.
Once operational, full-time, long-term jobs with average salaries exceeding the national average may include technical positions in electrical and mechanical engineering, alongside support roles such as facilities management, security, human resources, cleaning, and communications.
Once established the on-site team expect to work with local schools, colleges and universities, to deliver career talks and STEM presentations with a focus on skills and education.
Supply chain opportunities for local businesses
10–15 permanent skilled jobs
Education STEM & career engagement
Project Timeline
Site selection
Spring 2026
Winter/Spring 2026
Planning submission
Summer 2026
2029
FAQs
How long will construction take?
Construction is expected to take in the region of 12 months from start to finish including energisation and landscaping.
Will there be a lot of construction traffic?
A comprehensive Traffic Management Plan has been submitted as part of the planning application. Measures will be put in place to manage the impacts of construction traffic such as timing deliveries outside of rush hour and school drop‑off times, erecting temporary construction signage. The entry and exit to site will be via the existing site entrance.
What about noise and light from the data centre?
Noise surveys and detailed acoustic modelling have been undertaken to assess the potential effects of the proposed data centre during construction and operation. The assessment confirms that, due to the site’s location within Avonmouth’s established industrial area and the distance to the nearest residential properties, the development is not expected to result in adverse or significant adverse noise impacts. The assessment concludes that the proposed development will comply with national and local planning policy requirements and will not result in a significant increase in noise levels at nearby homes or businesses.
Lighting will be carefully designed and directed to ensure it is only used where needed, helping to minimise light spill and reduce impacts on nearby communities and wildlife.
Will the data centre put pressure on local water networks?
The facility will have a closed-loop cooling system which means it will not put strain on local water networks. The estimated total water volume within the data centre cooling system is estimated to be approximately 2995m³ which will be filled once during construction. Commonly this water is delivered to site rather than filled from the utility water main.
The cooling system does not draw on water from the Severn Estuary and once commissioned, it is expected to use a volume of fluid comparable to that of a typical office building for day-to-day functions. The building itself will be connected to the mains water supply for standard uses such as kitchen and welfare facilities.
What are the benefits of the data centre to the local community?
During construction of the data centre campus between 400-600 jobs are expected to be created, and in the longer term, once the data centres are operational, up to 15 permanent skilled. Once established the on-site data centre teams look forward to working with local schools, colleges and universities to deliver career talks and STEM presentations with a focus on skills and education.
Get in touch
avonmouth@rivingtonenergy.co.uk
Avonmouth Data Centre, 20 Central Avenue, St Andrews Business Park, Norwich, NR7 0HR
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