Data centres

Explore how we can help businesses with their legal requirements around energy and communications infrastructure.

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As digital technologies increasingly shape our daily communications and interactions, data centres have become the critical infrastructure that underpins our connected world.

Recognising the strategic importance, complexity and regulatory considerations of data centres, Moore Barlow provides specialist legal expertise to clients involved at every stage of the data centre lifecycle.

Whether you’re an operator, developer, investor or tenant in a data centre project, navigating the evolving regulatory landscape and contractual complexities requires experienced legal support. Moore Barlow’s specialist energy and communications infrastructure team is well positioned to advise on all aspects of data centre developments, ensuring your objectives are fulfilled with minimum risk.

What is a data centre?

A data centre is a dedicated facility used to house networked computer servers and associated hardware, such as storage devices and networking components. These facilities provide secure, reliable and environmentally controlled environments designed specifically to ensure continuous uptime, effective data management and efficient communication.

The rise of cloud computing, big data analytics, artificial intelligence and the Internet of Things (IoT) has resulted in exponential demand for data centre infrastructure. Data centres act as central hubs for data storage, management and distribution, and play a pivotal role in supporting modern digital ecosystems, enabling businesses and organisations to function effectively around the clock.

Callum Leary

Callum Leary

Partner | Commercial Property, Real Estate, Real Estate Finance

020 3962 5848

How we can help

At Moore Barlow, our expert solicitors offer comprehensive legal guidance tailored to data centre projects. Our energy and communications infrastructure specialists can assist you with:

We understand that each data centre project is unique, and we work closely with you to deliver commercially focused legal advice, helping you achieve your strategic goals while managing associated liabilities.

Why choose us

Choosing Moore Barlow means benefiting from our considerable experience in infrastructure and commercial property law, combined with our commitment to clearly communicated, practical and proactive advice. Our specialist solicitors have a proven track record in helping businesses across sectors navigate complex transactional processes and regulatory challenges.

When working with Moore Barlow, you will benefit from:

  • A responsive, client-centred approach tailored specifically to your requirements
  • Specialist expertise across the full spectrum of property, planning, commercial contracts, corporate and dispute resolution
  • Understanding of the legal and commercial factors that shape data centre sector Reliable communication, ensuring you are informed and in control of every aspect of your project
  • Coverage across London and the South of England, enabling us to offer comprehensive local knowledge alongside national-level experience

We pride ourselves on building lasting relationships with our clients founded on trust, efficiency and demonstrable added value. By selecting Moore Barlow, you receive specialist legal advice that supports and enhances your data centre project’s prospects for success.

We are here to help

Discover how our expert lawyers can help you.

Contact our specialist solicitors today

To find out how Moore Barlow can support your data centre project with expert legal insight and proactive guidance, please get in touch with our dedicated energy and communications infrastructure team. We have offices across London and the South of England, including Guildford, Southampton, Richmond and Lymington, enabling you easy access to dedicated support.

Arrange your initial consultation by contacting us today and discuss your requirements directly with our experienced data centre solicitors.

We are here to help

Discover how our expert lawyers can help you.

Contact our team

Frequently asked questions: Data centres

What are the key legal considerations for data centre location?

Key considerations include property ownership rights, lease arrangements, land use planning permissions, environmental impact assessments, energy supply agreements and compliance with local and national regulations relating to data privacy, resilience standards and security.

Yes. Data centres typically require specific planning permission due to their unique construction, environmental impacts, energy consumption and potential noise or aesthetic concerns. Adhering to local authority planning procedures is crucial to the success of any data centre project.

Data centre operators in the UK must comply with stringent sustainability regulations, including those related to energy efficiency, carbon emissions and environmental impact. Regulations such as the Climate Change Agreement (CCA), the Energy Savings Opportunity Scheme (ESOS) and local authority policies on sustainable infrastructure are all relevant.

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