North Lanarkshire named UK AI Growth Zone with plans for £8.2 billion investment

The UK Government named North Lanarkshire its latest AI Growth Zone, and proposals involving Chapelhall-based DataVita with AI firm CoreWeave are reported to include up to £8.2 billion of investment and up to 7,000 jobs, subject to the full statutory planning process.

North Lanarkshire has been named the UK Government's latest AI Growth Zone. Local leaders say the designation accompanies proposals from Chapelhall-based data centre provider DataVita in partnership with AI firm CoreWeave. Officials report the plans could involve up to £8.2 billion of investment and create thousands of jobs across the wider region. The proposals are described as building on existing transport and digital infrastructure and on local skills pathways. Key details: - The UK Government named North Lanarkshire as the latest AI Growth Zone. - Chapelhall-based DataVita and AI tech firm CoreWeave are reported as partners in the proposals. - The plans are reported to involve up to £8.2 billion of investment, potentially around 3,400 direct jobs and up to 7,000 jobs in the wider area, subject to planning permission. - The proposals are reported to include a £543 million community fund. - Local assets cited include about 340 km of full-fibre digital infrastructure and transport projects such as the Pan-Lanarkshire Orbital Transport Corridor linking the M74 and M80. - The proposals will be subject to the full statutory planning process and stakeholder consultation before any final decision. Summary: Local leaders say the Growth Zone plans could reshape North Lanarkshire's economy by building on existing transport and digital infrastructure and by supporting workforce pathways. The proposals will enter the full statutory planning process and involve stakeholder consultation before any final approvals. Outcomes and timing will depend on the planning decisions.