Plans to create the world's largest data centre at Peelhouses outside Lockerbie were unveiled today by Scottish firm, Lockerbie Data Centres Ltd.

A first for Scotland, the £800m Peelhouses Data Centre and Sustainable Village will give Lockerbie international prestige and make it a leading international centre in I.T. and data storage. The development will enshrine principles of sustainability and address economic, social and environmental aspects of the locality, the region and Scotland as a whole.

Green energy in the form of wind power and a new bio-mass station will provide a sustainable contribution to the vast energy needs of the development. Waste heat generated by the banks of computer servers will also be reused to heat the existing town, new village and businesses park.

John Hume, Chairman and Chief Executive of Lockerbie Data Centres Ltd said: "Peelhouses Data Centre and Sustainable Village will make Lockerbie an international hub for the internet age. The world wide shortage of suitable data storage and the high demand for local affordable housing presents a unique opportunity for Scotland and local residents.

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"If approved this development will be of national significance and will create the perfect environment for high value internet business to locate to the south west of Scotland."

Mr Hume said they have already received interest from a number of the world's leading I.T. and internet firms.

Global demand for data storage is expected to double by 2012. Demand already outstrips supply.

In addition to the proposed three million square foot (250,000 square metres) high-tech Internet Data Centre, the development will include a new business park to attract internet companies to the area, up to 800 new homes of mixed tenure and a significant number of new jobs in construction and in the high tech industry.

The new village will be integrated into the existing local community through a network of paths and cycle ways and will help meet the demand for social housing in the area. A potential collaboration with the Crichton University Campus will provide opportunities for young people in the area to stay in the south west of Scotland to live learn and work.

The outline plans are on display at Lockerbie Library until the end of the week.

Following further community consultation a planning application is expected to be lodged in March 2009.

(GK/JM)