The North East is rapidly emerging as one of the UK’s most strategically important tech regions. With Latos Data Centres unveiling plans for a new high-tech data centre in Stockton-on-Tees, and Blackstone’s £10 billion hyperscale development already underway in Northumberland, the area is on the cusp of a major AI-led transformation.

Stockton’s AI-Ready Data Hub

Latos has submitted proposals to build its first facility at Preston Farm Industrial Estate. This new site would feature two data halls and office space, offering infrastructure specifically designed to meet rising demand from AI and advanced digital workloads.

The project is expected to generate around 150 local jobs during its construction and operational phases, boosting the Teesside economy and positioning Stockton as a hub for next-generation digital infrastructure.

Meanwhile, in Northumberland

Just up the road in Cambois (near Blyth), Blackstone-backed QTS is progressing with one of the largest data centre campuses in Europe.

Key facts:

• Estimated cost: £10 billion
• Ten large-scale data halls
• Around 1,200 construction jobs and 400 permanent roles
• £110 million pledged to local infrastructure, training, and community investment

This project has full backing from Northumberland County Council and major pension fund investment, including the UK’s USS (Universities Superannuation Scheme).

A Growing Demand for Talent

These projects are separate, but they overlap in one major area: workforce.

Together, they will create sustained demand for:

• Data cabling and structured cabling engineers
• Electrical and mechanical contractors
• IT infrastructure and support technicians
• Project managers and technical operations specialists

There is a genuine risk of labour shortages if recruitment, training, and talent pipelines don’t keep up. This will impact contractors, recruiters, and the wider supply chain across the North East. For companies already operating in the data centre space, competition for qualified personnel could become intense.

Conclusion: Infrastructure is Only Half the Challenge

The developments in Stockton and Northumberland represent a massive vote of confidence in the region’s digital future. But infrastructure alone isn’t enough. Delivering these projects successfully will depend on having the people in place — and that means upskilling, training, and mobilising the North East’s tech workforce at pace.

The next few years could define the region’s place in the UK’s AI and digital landscape. These two projects are just the beginning.