Google plans to construct four data centres and an office facility spanning 130,500 square meters at the former Arena Essex Raceway near Purfleet. Organizations such as Buglife and the Essex Wildlife Trust warn the development threatens over 80% of protected habitats on the Local Wildlife Site, which supports rare bees, butterflies, and nightingales. In response, the company pledged to work with Natural England and specialists to deliver a 10% Biodiversity Net Gain alongside public green spaces.
Key points
Campaigners want Google to halt the project so the land can remain green space or return…: Campaigners want Google to halt the project so the land can remain green space or return to racing use.
Google maintains that data centres offer critical infrastructure while promising long-ter…: Google maintains that data centres offer critical infrastructure while promising long-term investment and local employment in Thurrock.
The tech company is collaborating with Natural England and ecological experts to target a…: The tech company is collaborating with Natural England and ecological experts to target a 10% Biodiversity Net Gain.
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Protesters claim Google's headquarters in London refused a petition of 54,000 signatories worried about the environmental impact of an Essex development.
The tech giant plans to build four data centre buildings, covering 130,500 sqm, and an office building on the former Arena Essex Raceway near Purfleet.
The 52 hectares of land became a Local Wildlife Site in 2006 before closing a decade later, but conservationists said the development would threaten rare bumblebees and endangered broad-leaved cudweed.
Google would not confirm or deny that it refused the petition on Wednesday, but said data centres were "vital" and that the firm was taking its environmental responsibilities "very seriously".
A number of environmental groups claim the development would wipe out more than 80% of its protected habitats, as the site is also home to butterflies and nightingales.
They have called for Google to "search elsewhere", and want it opened up as a green space and the return of the racers.
Jamie Robins, programmes manager at Buglife, said the plan "makes a mockery" of Google's sustainability claims.
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