Civil works are the first construction package on most data centre campuses, and on large greenfield sites they are substantial. Australian campus sites range from 7.7 ha (STACK SYD01, Erskine Park) and 20.1 ha (CDC Marsden Park) to 52 ha (the Mamre Road campus), 88.4 ha (CDC KC1) and 725 ha (Western Downs Digital Park). Earthworks, drainage, roads and utilities have to be finished before structural work can start.
The Role of Civil Contractors in Data Centres
| Scope | What it involves |
|---|---|
| Site preparation | Clearing, demolition (e.g. Goodman's Project Atlas includes demolition of existing buildings), remediation |
| Bulk earthworks | Cut and fill to create level building pads, often in stages |
| Foundations | Piling or pad footings for heavy structures and plant |
| Roads and hardstand | Internal roads, heavy vehicle access, generator and plant hardstands |
| Drainage and stormwater | Stormwater networks, detention basins, water quality treatment |
| Utilities | Water, sewer and HV conduit trenching; service diversions |
| Off-site works | Road upgrades, intersections, enabling infrastructure (Project Atlas includes offsite enabling infrastructure) |
Key Infrastructure Requirements
Geotechnical conditions
Site investigation reports are published with NSW SSD applications. STACK SYD01's includes geotechnical and contamination investigations. Ground conditions determine foundation design and earthworks volumes.
Stormwater
Large impervious roofs and hardstands generate significant runoff. In the Mamre Road precinct, stormwater servicing is a recurring issue: submissions on the Mamre Road campus note that its strategy relied on temporary solutions and infrastructure not yet built.
Heavy loads
Transformer deliveries, generator placement and multi-storey structures need roads, hardstands and foundations designed for heavy loads.
Staging
Campuses are built in phases, so civil works are often split: early works for the first building, then further pads and roads as later buildings proceed.
Regional sites
Regional proposals such as Western Downs Digital Park (725 ha, 250 km west of Brisbane) and Project Meridien (Kimberley) involve civil works at a scale and remoteness closer to resources projects than urban construction.
Australian Civil Suppliers
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Selecting a Supplier
- Capacity for large bulk earthworks on tight programmes
- Environmental controls: erosion and sediment control, dust, and noise within consent conditions. Microsoft reports using water sprays for dust control at Kemps Creek
- Experience with stormwater and water quality infrastructure required by councils and the state
- Utility coordination with water authorities and network businesses
- Safety and traffic management on sites next to active industrial precincts
Current Project Demand
| Project | Site size | Stage |
|---|---|---|
| Western Downs Digital Park | 725 ha | DA lodged |
| CDC KC1 | 88.4 ha | SEARs |
| Mamre Road campus | 52 ha | Amended SSD |
| NEXTDC S7 | 25.5 ha | Prepare EIS |
| CDC Marsden Park | 20.1 ha | Under construction |
| STACK SYD01 | 7.7 ha | More information required |
Relevant Data Centre Projects
Western Sydney · Brisbane and Queensland · Data centre construction
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Civil packages are the first to be awarded, so civil contractors need to be known before approval. AISB tracks projects through planning and helps civil contractors reach developers and head contractors early.
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