IFB Union Street Data Centre Aberdeen: Central Scotland Colocation Specs
Status: Operational | Location: 387 Union Street, Aberdeen, AB11 6BX, Scotland, United Kingdom
Project Overview
The IFB Union Street Data Centre is a purpose-developed urban hosting and networking facility located in central Aberdeen, Scotland, providing reliable digital infrastructure for businesses and organizations across the region. Operational since 2001, the facility has established a long track record of supporting high-availability hosting and connectivity requirements for regional enterprises, North Sea energy service companies, and public sector organizations. Its central urban location provides convenient access to Aberdeen’s commercial and business ecosystem while positioning the facility as an important connectivity and hosting hub for organizations that require locally supported infrastructure. The data centre offers flexible colocation options designed to accommodate customers ranging from individual servers to larger enterprise deployments. Available services include single-server colocation, full and partial rack solutions, and intelligent hands support, allowing customers to outsource selected physical infrastructure management and receive on-site technical assistance when required. These services can help organizations reduce the operational burden associated with maintaining dedicated IT infrastructure while retaining control over their equipment and applications. A key feature of the facility is its direct integration with IFB’s core fiber network, providing customers with high-speed connectivity and access to IFB’s broader telecommunications infrastructure. This network integration supports reliable data transfer, business communications, hosted applications, and connectivity between distributed business locations. The facility’s long operating history and regional positioning make it particularly relevant to Aberdeen’s energy-focused economy, where reliable communications and access to mission-critical systems are essential for companies supporting North Sea operations. By combining flexible colocation, on-site technical support, established operational experience, and direct fiber network connectivity, the IFB Union Street Data Centre provides a practical infrastructure platform for enterprises, energy-sector organizations, and public institutions requiring dependable hosting and connectivity services in central Aberdeen.
Quick Facts
| Field | Value |
|---|
| Project Name | IFB Union Street Data Centre Aberdeen: Central Scotland Colocation Specs |
| Location | 387 Union Street, Aberdeen, AB11 6BX, Scotland, United Kingdom |
| Status | Operational |
| Commissioning | Operational since 2001 (Modernized & Maintained) |
| Total IT Load | ~0.2 MW – 0.5 MW Critical IT Capacity |
| Total Capacity | Commercial urban facility technical whitespace & operational hosting suites |
| Tier Level | Tier II/III Standard Architecture |
| Project Type | Enterprise Colocation, City-Centre Interconnection & Managed IT Services Hub |
City Profile
| Header | Details |
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| City Name | Aberdeen |
| Population | ~224,000 (2022 Census) |
| Urban Agglomeration | ~500,000+ (Aberdeen wider urban/economic area) |
| City GDP | ~£18 billion+ GVA contribution historically; Aberdeen City and Aberdeenshire recorded £36,748 GVA per head in 2022. |
| Per Capita Income | £721.70 median gross weekly pay for full-time workers in 2024. |
| City Tier | Tier 2 – Major Regional Energy & Business Hub |
| Key Strengths | Energy and offshore industries, renewable energy transition, strong business services, two universities, skilled workforce, Aberdeen Harbour, international airport connectivity, established telecommunications infrastructure, and access to North Sea energy projects. The city is also diversifying into renewable energy, digital industries, food and drink, and life sciences. |
Companies Involved
| Header | Details |
|---|
| Developer / Operator | Internet For Business Ltd |
| Strategic Infrastructure Partner | Scottish Hydro Electric Power Distribution (SHEPD) / SSE, BT Openreach, CityFibre |
| Construction Contractor | Regional Mission-Critical Engineering & Fit-Out Contractors |
| MEP Engineering | Specialized Mechanical & Electrical Infrastructure Contractors |
| Network Connectivity | Carrier-neutral facility with path-diverse dark fiber entrance routes, dedicated Meet-Me-Room (MMR), direct connection to IFB’s Aberdeen core metro network, and interconnects with primary UK carriers (BT, Virgin Media, CityFibre). |
| Power Infrastructure | Redundant urban commercial utility grid feeds, static N+1 uninterruptible power supply (UPS) modules, automatic transfer switchgear (ATS), and localized backup generators with fuel support. |
Technical Specifications
| Header | Details |
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| Power Capacity | ~0.8 MVA Utility Grid Provision |
| UPS Redundancy | Concurrently Maintainable N+1 Static UPS Systems |
| Cooling System | Precision climate control CRAH units configured in N+1 mechanical redundancy, cold-aisle containment, ambient air-side cooling, and continuous environmental monitoring. |
| Connectivity | Sub-millisecond optical fiber links connecting Union Street to IFB’s Altens campus, local exchange nodes, and central UK network backbones. |
| PUE Target | < 1.35 Annualized Operational Design PUE |
| Energy Mix | Powered via 100% Green Renewable Energy supply options. |
Milestones
| Header | Details |
|---|
| Announcement | Operational Facility |
| Construction Start | Completed / Operational |
| Phase 1 Go-Live | Operational (2001) |
| Full Buildout | Active Commercial Colocation & Network Facility |
Investment Details
| Header | Details |
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| Total Investment | ~$2,000,000 – $4,000,000 USD (Estimated Capital Expenditure & Upgrades) |
| Funding | Corporate Capital Expenditure (Internet For Business Ltd) |