LHR21, Heathrow

Project Overview
LHR21 comprises the delivery of a six-storey, 194,000 sq ft mission-critical data centre providing 20MW of IT capacity at Park Royal, London. The facility forms part of Vantage Data Centres’ wider UK expansion programme and was delivered on a constrained urban site with limited access and laydown space. The project required highly coordinated logistics, detailed design integration and precise management of complex multi-trade interfaces to support continuous 24/7 operation.

Project Requirements
The client required a high-density, multi-storey data centre capable of supporting phased occupation and continuous operation within a tightly constrained urban environment. Key requirements included resilient power and cooling infrastructure, secure access and segregation of pedestrian and vehicle routes, extensive rooftop plant and generator installations, and robust coordination of structure and MEP systems. Strict programme control was required to align with the wider data centre rollout strategy.

Glencar’s Role
Glencar was appointed to deliver the full structural construction and MEP installation across all six floors, coordinating complex interfaces between trades and managing restricted site logistics through to completion. A federated BIM model was utilised to maintain coordination accuracy and manage the scale and complexity of the installation.

Scope of Works
Enabling Works / Civils & Infrastructure
- Urban site logistics planning and access management
- Civils and infrastructure works to support multi-storey construction
- Integration of utilities and external services

Building / Superstructure
- Construction of a six-storey data centre structure
- Multi-span steel frame construction
- Precast concrete elements to selected retaining and ground beam areas

Fit-Out & Building Services
- Installation of cooling-only mechanical systems
- High-density cooling infrastructure serving equipment rooms
- Electrical systems supporting up to 26MW total building load
- Integrated fire protection systems, risers and lifts

External Works & Rooftop Plant
- Structural gantries supporting emergency generators
- Roof-mounted plant platforms with visual screening
- Underground HVO fuel storage with spill protection
- Secure access routes and segregated pedestrian and vehicle circulation

Technical & Delivery Challenges
The delivery of a six-storey, mission-critical data centre within a confined London site presented significant logistical and coordination challenges. Limited access and laydown space required tightly sequenced construction and just-in-time deliveries. The integration of extensive rooftop plant, generator gantries and high-density MEP systems demanded precise coordination through a federated BIM model to avoid clashes and maintain programme certainty.

Delivery Conditions Addressed
- Constrained urban site logistics
- Multi-storey mission-critical construction
- High-density power and cooling infrastructure
- Rooftop plant and generator integration
- Phased occupation and 24/7 operational requirements

Sustainability & ESG
The data centre was designed with no on-site fossil-fuel heating, adopting a cooling-only mechanical strategy to minimise energy use. Waste-heat recovery infrastructure was installed to enable future energy transfer to local users, while water-efficient cooling systems reduce annual consumption. Community engagement was also embedded through the integration of public artwork within the building façade.

The Outcome
LHR21 delivers a resilient, high-density, multi-storey data centre that strengthens Vantage Data Centres’ UK infrastructure portfolio. The completed facility demonstrates Glencar’s capability to deliver complex, mission-critical assets within challenging urban environments through coordinated, technically robust delivery.