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A developer plans to convert a hotel basement into a data center in Lancashire, UK, as part of a facelift for a 66-year-old hotel.

Small conversions like this add edge capacity in secondary UK locations but are unlikely to move regional AI supply meaningfully.
Trade pressSlicast · October 20, 2026 at 14:52 UTC · Global · Source: Data Center Dynamics
importance 30

The basement of a hotel in Lancashire could be set to be turned into a data center.

Real estate company Real Big Group has filed with Burnley Council for a change of use of the Brunlea Hotel on Keirby Walk to include a data center.

The company plans to convert the hotel's underground car park into a data center. Close to £12 million ($16 million) is reportedly set to be invested in the project, according to local press.

Full details of the planned facility have not been shared, but the basement area totals around 4,000 sqm (43,055 sq ft). It is unclear whether any data center firms are currently involved in the project.

The application was submitted in July, and permission was granted this month. According to submitted documents, the facility will use a closed-loop cooling system, with cooling equipment located either in the roof enclosure or underground.

Formerly known as the Keirby Hotel, the Brunlea opened in 1960. Plans emerged in 2024 for a major redevelopment of the building by Real Big Group to relaunch the site as a 32-room luxury hotel in 2027.

The roof of the data center hosts several telecom antennas.

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A developer plans to convert a hotel basement… · Slicast