Swindon’s digital backbone is set for a significant boost following confirmation of a major investment by a European data infrastructure firm.
Councillor Jim Robbins, Leader of Swindon Borough Council, has welcomed plans by nLighten to invest up to £10m into its data centre at the South Marston Industrial Estate, describing the move as a positive signal for the town’s long-term economic prospects.
The council leader recently visited the site to see how the facility operates and to discuss how the company and the local authority can work together to support business growth and attract further investment into the Borough.
Data centres play a quiet but critical role in everyday life, housing the servers and networks that keep online services running. From business systems and cloud storage to emails and digital communications, these facilities ensure information can be accessed securely and without interruption.
nLighten’s planned investment will include upgrades to the existing building, improvements to security, updated technology and capacity for future expansion. The aim is to give organisations in and around Swindon access to modern digital services closer to home, rather than relying on facilities based elsewhere in the country.
Councillor Robbins said the development highlights Swindon’s appeal as a place to do business. He added that strong digital infrastructure underpins everything from job creation to public services, and is an important factor for companies considering where to locate their operations.
He said having a modern data centre within the Borough strengthens Swindon’s ability to support innovation and sustain economic growth, particularly as the council continues its efforts to attract new employers and investment.
Justin Nesbitt, Managing Director of nLighten UK, said Swindon holds strategic importance for the company’s UK operations. He said the investment reflects a long-term commitment to the town and the wider region, with a focus on supporting local businesses and public services through reliable and resilient digital infrastructure.
nLighten operates a growing network of data centres across Europe, with a stated aim of supporting regional economies through locally connected facilities designed to meet modern digital demands. The Swindon site forms part of that wider expansion, positioning the town as an increasingly important digital hub within the region.
