Bradford is set to host a new data centre designed to drive AI innovation and strengthen digital services across northern England. The proposed facility, located near a major city centre route, is part of a wider redevelopment plan that includes a flagship low-carbon energy hub.
The centre will house advanced computing infrastructure for organisations with intensive data processing needs. It aims to attract AI and tech-driven businesses while supporting universities—both in Bradford and beyond—as a regional anchor for academic and commercial digital collaboration.
At the heart of the development is its integration with the city’s emerging district heat network, led by green energy firm 1Energy. This £70–75 million project will use one of the UK’s largest air source heat pumps to supply low-carbon heating to buildings including Bradford City Hall, the Combined Court Centre and the Magistrates’ Courts. HM Courts and Tribunals Service has already committed to a 20-year connection, with the network expected to cut emissions by 8,000 tonnes annually and become operational by 2026.
By 2027, the network will deliver heating via insulated underground pipes to a broad range of civic and educational buildings, including the University of Bradford and Bradford College. The university has hailed the system as transformative, estimating tens of millions in savings as it phases out outdated boilers.
The data centre will further contribute by capturing and redirecting excess heat to the 1Energy system, helping reduce energy costs for other users. Four emergency generators will ensure uninterrupted operation, reinforcing the centre’s role in maintaining critical digital services.
City Hall’s separate £2 million upgrade to its heating and hot water systems adds to the city’s decarbonisation push, supported by government funding.
Bradford’s alignment of digital infrastructure with green energy exemplifies a forward-looking approach to sustainable urban development. The project’s collaboration between public institutions, academia and private firms reflects a pragmatic model for responsible AI growth.
As other cities confront the dual challenge of digital expansion and climate responsibility, Bradford’s integrated model offers a compelling template—fusing technological ambition with environmental stewardship.
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Noah Fact Check Pro
The draft above was created using the information available at the time the story first
emerged. We’ve since applied our fact-checking process to the final narrative, based on the criteria listed
below. The results are intended to help you assess the credibility of the piece and highlight any areas that may
warrant further investigation.
Freshness check
Score:
8
Notes:
The narrative is recent, published just hours ago. The planning application for the data centre was submitted by Deep Green Technologies Ltd, with a decision expected by October. The connection to the 1energy facility and the use of air source heat pumps are recent developments. The mention of four emergency generators and the potential use of excess heat to reduce energy bills are specific details not found in earlier reports. However, the concept of a data centre in Bradford supporting the AI industry has been previously discussed, indicating some recycled content. The report is based on a planning application, which typically warrants a high freshness score. No discrepancies in figures, dates, or quotes were found. The narrative includes updated data but recycles older material, which may justify a higher freshness score but should still be flagged.
Quotes check
Score:
10
Notes:
No direct quotes are present in the narrative, indicating potentially original or exclusive content.
Source reliability
Score:
10
Notes:
The narrative originates from the BBC, a reputable organisation, which strengthens its reliability.
Plausability check
Score:
9
Notes:
The narrative presents a plausible plan for a data centre in Bradford to support the AI industry. The connection to the 1energy facility and the use of air source heat pumps are feasible and align with current technological trends. The inclusion of four emergency generators and the potential use of excess heat to reduce energy bills are practical considerations. The lack of supporting detail from other reputable outlets is noted, but the BBC's coverage adds credibility. The language and tone are consistent with the region and topic. No excessive or off-topic detail unrelated to the claim is present. The tone is appropriately formal and resembles typical corporate or official language.
Overall assessment
Verdict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): PASS
Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): HIGH
Summary:
The narrative is recent and originates from a reputable organisation, the BBC, enhancing its credibility. While it presents a plausible plan for a data centre in Bradford to support the AI industry, some recycled content is noted. The lack of direct quotes and the presence of specific details not found in earlier reports suggest originality. The plausibility of the claims is supported by the BBC's coverage, and the language and tone are appropriate. Overall, the narrative passes the fact-check with high confidence.
