Ark Data Centres has acquired a 30,000 sqm industrial plot in La Maquinista for the development of a new urban data centre with a planned IT capacity of up to 45 MW.
The investment, exceeding €600 million, represents one of the most significant digital infrastructure projects in the city and marks Ark’s second data centre acquisition in Europe, following the purchase of its asset in Brussels in 2023.
The transaction was advised by Cushman & Wakefield and is considered by Barcelona City Council to be a valuable opportunity for the Besòs area in the next phase of the city’s technological growth. For the Government of Catalonia (Generalitat de Catalunya), the project will contribute to strengthening the region’s digital ecosystem.
Boosting local skilled employment
The development will generate a significant volume of employment both during the construction phase and throughout long-term operations. During construction, approximately 350 direct jobs per year are expected to be created, in areas such as engineering, electrical installation, mechanical systems, civil works and specialist trades.
Ark prioritises working with local suppliers, regional supply chains and nearby manufacturers whenever possible.
Once operational, the development will offer a range of professional roles, from mechanical and electrical (M&E) engineers and IT engineers to security and cleaning staff, creating opportunities for a wide spectrum of workers. The data centre is expected to generate up to 150 full-time direct jobs once fully operational.
Ark also has solid experience collaborating with technical training centres and local communities to develop the skills required for projects of this scale. Through agreements that include internships, apprenticeship programmes and specific training, Ark enables local talent to gain hands-on experience and pursue both construction-phase roles and long-term operational positions.
Sustainability and energy supply
Energy supply is a key element in any large-scale data centre project. This type of infrastructure operates through dedicated grid connections agreed with the local network operator and requires upfront investment in grid capacity.
For projects of this scale, Ark works closely with utility companies to finance and facilitate grid reinforcements and upgrades. These actions help enhance the resilience of the energy system and support local economic activity.
Ark currently operates more than 200 MW of IT capacity across its international portfolio and has extensive experience delivering projects in complex urban environments, working with grid operators and local authorities to ensure responsible long-term energy planning.
Water use is another key aspect of the project. Ark has experience developing urban facilities using high-efficiency cooling solutions designed to minimise water consumption while maintaining performance and reliability.
The specific design of the cooling system for the Barcelona facility will be defined during the detailed engineering phase. Nevertheless, the project will prioritise high energy efficiency standards, careful water management and alignment with Barcelona’s sustainability objectives.
Driving Barcelona’s digital future
The new data centre strengthens Barcelona’s growing appeal to international digital infrastructure operators and its ability to host large-scale technological developments within established urban environments, reinforcing its position as a leading technology hub in Southern Europe.
The transaction also represents a first step in the technological transformation of the Besòs area, which will undergo significant urban and economic change in the coming years, driven by strategic initiatives such as the Les Tres Xemeneies project and new infrastructure linked to the digital economy.
Public-private collaboration has been key to this process and will help create a new hub for innovation and technological activity in the city. The Government of Catalonia, through ACCIÓ, and Barcelona City Council will support Ark throughout the development of the investment project and in the identification of local suppliers for the construction of the data centre, considering that the project will strengthen the country’s digital ecosystem. Ark will continue to work closely with local authorities, grid operators and the community throughout the planning and development process.
Huw Owen, Chief Executive Officer of Ark Data Centres, stated: “Barcelona represents a new phase in the development of digital infrastructure in Europe. While large-scale AI model training tends to be located in regions with abundant power and land, there is growing demand for latency-sensitive urban infrastructure. This site will enable Ark to support the next layer of demand associated with artificial intelligence, inference, sovereign computing and high-performance workloads that need to be located close to users, businesses and major population centres. Securing a 30,000 sqm plot in a consolidated metropolitan environment is becoming increasingly challenging. This project reflects our focus on urban markets with high barriers to entry, where long-term power access, connectivity and urban integration can be delivered responsibly and at scale.”
Oriol Barrachina, CEO of Spain and Head of the Iberia region at Cushman & Wakefield, added: “This project marks a turning point for Barcelona, consolidating its position as one of the most strategic locations in Southern Europe for the digital economy and the development of next-generation technological infrastructure. Cushman & Wakefield has advised on a transaction that strengthens the city’s ability to attract new investments and strategic projects capable of generating skilled employment and delivering a long-term, structural impact on its economy.”
