Media - Idm

Massive ACT 'Data City' Proposed

Published: October 2, 2007

October 2, 2007: Utility provider ActewAGL, has proposed a massive $1 billion 'data city' combining over 20 data buildings constructed as a hub in Hume, Canberra.

Partnering with Galileo Connect and Technical Real Estate under the banner of 'Canberra Technology City,' the 'data city' if built would be one of the most significant infrastructure projects undertaken in the ACT and put Canberra on the map of the most well-resourced storage hubs.

The Canberra Times reports the group will also develop a gas-powered generator close to the centre as a means to treble the industry data centre standard for power output. Ultimately this would provide energy back-up to Canberra residents during Winter and Summer peak periods..

Early proposals of the 'data city' indicate the project is set to be known as the 'Hume Hub' and combine up to 20 data centre buildings in the area, with 10 supplementary centres proposed nearby at Belconnen.

The consortium says the development would create 600 jobs and offer massive storage capacity to meet the increasing needs of financial institutions and government. With plans to commission the first centre by 2009, the consortium will take the proposal on a roadshow across the Australia and parts of the Asia/Pacific region.