Thousands of vibro stone columns and continuous flight auger (CFA) piles are being installed at the former Blyth Power Station site at Cambois, Northumberland.

Keller's subcontract for the ground improvements will provide the foundations for two new data halls being constructed by US firm QTS as part of Project Wind.

In total, 10 data halls are set to be built, covering more than 133 acres, in a scheme which will create thousands of construction jobs in the North East.

Almost 6,000 vibro stone columns and more than 1,500 CFA piles will be installed during the first phase of the project.

The initial work being carried out by Keller on data centres one and two, plus the guard house, is underway and is expected to be completed later this month.

It is also acting as a self-sufficient geotechnical contractor, providing attendance services such as muck-away, platform maintenance and setting out on the scheme.

Keller was selected for the ground engineering work after originally carrying out preliminary load testing when plans were in place for a large car battery factory at the site.

Successful approach

Richard Smith, Keller's Preconstruction Manager - Foundations, said: "Having previously worked at the site, it is rewarding to return and support a project that will bring fresh investment and opportunities to the region.

"This is a significant project not only because of its scale, but also because of the role it will play in supporting the digital infrastructure needed for artificial intelligence and cloud computing.

"Ground engineering is often the first critical step on projects like this. The work we're carrying out now will provide the platform for the construction of the data halls and help ensure the long-term performance of the development."

Richard said Keller's ability to deliver both CFA piling and vibro stone columns through a single integrated solution proved to be a key differentiator.

"Our strength lies in delivering a wide range of foundation solutions, supported by industry-leading expertise in both ground improvement and piling," he said.

"Techniques such as vibro stone columns, deep soil mixing and rigid inclusions enable solutions to be tailored to site-specific conditions.

"This breadth of expertise allows optimisation of design, improved performance and the delivery of cost-effective, sustainable outcomes.

"The ability to self-deliver, including attendance packages, on large-scale piling and ground improvement projects ensures programme certainty, quality control, and efficient, safe delivery, making this a proven and successful approach on schemes of this scale."