Data centre approved in Truman Brewery masterplan in east London

The UK Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government has approved the Truman Brewery masterplan in east London, which includes a 5,200-square-metre data centre designed by Morris+Company. The scheme, led by Buckley Gray Yeoman (BGY) with contributions from Carmody Groarke, Morris+Company, and Henley Halebrown, spans three sites near Brick Lane and comprises eight buildings. It will deliver 35,000 square metres of office, retail, and community space, including a two-storey extension and public space at the grade II-listed Boiler House. Forty-four homes are planned, six of which are social housing tailored for larger Bangladeshi-heritage families. The proposal, originally submitted in 2024, faced strong opposition from Tower Hamlets Council and the Save Brick Lane campaign group, who argued it could displace local residents and businesses. Despite this, Housing Secretary Angela Rayner and Labour minister Matthew Pennycook praised the data centre for its 'very significant' public and economic benefits, and Rayner noted the development would bring increased footfall and employment. Save Brick Lane expressed deep disappointment, and Tower Hamlets mayor Lutfur Rahman criticised the lack of social housing, calling it a 'missed opportunity' to address the borough's acute housing crisis. The renders were produced by Conica Studio.