UK-based Ark Data Centres to open major Barcelona facility, creating 500 skilled jobs in Catalonia’s tech sector

UK-based Ark Data Centres, a leading developer and operator of high-security and energy-efficient data centers, has acquired 30,000 square meters of industrial land in Barcelona for the development of a state-of-the-art urban facility.

This landmark expansion has received support from Catalonia Trade & Investment and the Barcelona City Council, and it represents one of the most significant digital infrastructure projects in the city. The new data center will feature a planned IT capacity of up to 45 MW and is set to create 500 skilled jobs for the region.

According to Ark Data Centres CEO Huw Owen, the new facility responds to growing demand for advanced urban digital infrastructure in Europe: "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 a growing demand for latency-sensitive urban infrastructure. This site will enable Ark to support the next layer of demand for artificial intelligence, inference, sovereign computing, and high-performance workloads that must be located near users, businesses, and major population centers."

Owen also emphasized the strategic value of securing a site of this scale in a consolidated metropolitan area: "Securing a 30,000-square-meter plot in a consolidated metropolitan environment is increasingly challenging. This project reflects our focus on urban markets with high entry barriers, where long-term power access, connectivity, and urban integration can be developed responsibly and at scale."

Economic Impact and Skilled Employment

The development is set to become a major engine for the local economy by prioritizing high-quality job creation and leveraging regional supply chains. During the construction phase, the project is expected to generate approximately 350 direct jobs per year for specialists in engineering, electrical systems, and civil works.

Once fully functional, the facility will continue to provide up to 150 direct full-time positions ranging from IT and mechanical engineers to security and maintenance staff, while Ark also plans to collaborate with local technical training centers to offer internships and apprenticeship programs.

Sustainability and Urban Integration

The project aligns with Catalonia’s commitment to sustainable innovation. The facility will feature high-efficiency cooling solutions specifically designed to minimize water consumption while maintaining peak performance. Furthermore, Ark is working closely with local utility providers to fund power grid reinforcements, increasing the overall resilience of the local energy system for the surrounding urban areas.

The operation was advised by Cushman & Wakefield, whose CEO for Spain and Director of the Iberia region, Oriol Barrachina, emphasized the structural importance of the investment: "This project marks a turning point for Barcelona, consolidating its position as one of the most significant strategic hubs in Southern Europe for the digital economy and the development of next-generation technological infrastructure. At Cushman & Wakefield, we have advised on a transaction that reinforces the region’s ability to attract new investments and strategic projects capable of generating skilled employment and delivering a lasting structural impact on its economy."

The new facility is expected to act as a catalyst for the continued transformation of Barcelona’s innovation districts and further strengthen Catalonia’s appeal as a destination for digital and technology-driven investment.

Source: Ark Data Centres