HARWORTH GROUP PLC
(‘Harworth’ or the ‘Group’ or the ‘Company’)
Harworth and Microsoft receive resolution to grant planning consent for hyperscale data centre and I&L space at Skelton Grange, Leeds
Harworth Group plc (LSE: HWG), a leading regeneration, strategic land and development business, announces that the Leeds local planning committee has passed a resolution to approve1 the MSFT MCIO Limited (‘Microsoft’) planning application at Skelton Grange (Leeds, West Yorkshire).
The application seeks full planning permission for a data centre campus with all associated infrastructure and outline planning permission for a warehouse building. The proposals comprise c.500,000 sq ft across three data centre halls and auxiliary buildings to be situated on Plots 1 and 2 and c.160,000 sq ft of I&L space and EV charging on Harworth’s 16-acre adjoining plot.
Having completed the first phase of the transaction (Plot 1) with Microsoft in June 2024, comprising 27 acres for a gross consideration of £51.2m, Harworth continues to deliver site remediation and enabling works on behalf of Microsoft. The second phase (Plot 2) comprises 21 acres where we are also delivering enabling works and on completion of sale to Microsoft will receive a further £53.2m.
Lynda Shillaw, Chief Executive of Harworth, commented: “Obtaining the resolution to grant planning consent is demonstrable progress towards the completion of the Plot 2 sale and reflects our close and effective collaboration with Microsoft. This transaction has driven group level value growth and facilitates investment in the region, catalysing economic growth, with Skelton Grange estimated to deliver c. £4bn of inward investment when the development completes.
“At Skelton, the 16 acres of adjoining land and our adjacent Gateway 45 site provide capacity for further development. Our powered land portfolio has a further 0.8GW of power connections, on top of our Skelton Grange site, and is well positioned to capture demand from data centre and other power-intensive sectors, providing the potential for further upside opportunities, delivering strong group level value gains and attractive shareholder returns.”
Financial calendar key dates
Harworth will announce a Trading Update for Q1-2026 at its AGM on Monday 18 May 2026.
Notes:
1. Application reference 25/06139/FU. Leeds City Council’s Plans Panel (23/04/2027) deferred and delegated the Chief Planning Officer to approve subject to conditions and completion of S106 agreement.