Flood Risk Assessment for DataVita's North Lanarkshire UK AI Growth Zone

Aegaea is delighted to announce its successful collaboration with Woolgar Hunter Engineers in providing a comprehensive and detailed Flood Risk Assessment (FRA) for the landmark development at DataVita’s North Lanarkshire site. This location has recently achieved a significant national designation as the UK’s official AI Growth Zone, underscoring its strategic importance in the nation’s technological advancement.

The designation of the DataVita site as a UK AI Growth Zone is a monumental achievement, solidifying its role in powering Britain’s AI future. The announcement has attracted national attention, with BBC News reporting on the significance of the decision and its implications for the UK’s AI infrastructure. Further insight into the vision behind the development is provided by DataVita itself, which outlines how the North Lanarkshire site will support large-scale AI workloads and accelerate innovation across the sector.

Technical Excellence in Flood Risk Management

The supporting detailed FRA was a critical component of the planning process, directly addressing the requirements of NPF4 Policy 22 (Flood Risk and Water Management). Given the site’s role as a digital innovation hub, the assessment categorised the development as Essential Infrastructure, which under NPF4 may be permissible in flood risk areas provided a specific locational need is demonstrated for operational reasons.

The team utilised 2D hydraulic modelling, in line with SEPA guidance, to accurately assess flood hazards up to and including the 1 in 200-year (0.5% annual probability) event, plus an allowance for climate change. This modelling informed the proposed diversion and realignment of the existing ditch bounding the site, demonstrating that:

Avoidance and Mitigation: The development follows the primary principle of avoidance. Where risk was present, the team ensured no reduction in floodplain capacity and confirmed that the works would not increase flood risk downstream for others.

Operational Safety: The design ensures the facility remains safe and operational during flood events, meeting the stringent resilience standards required for national infrastructure, including recommendations regarding finished floor levels.

Nature-Based Solutions: In line with NPF4 Policy 3 (Biodiversity) and Policy 20 (Blue and Green Infrastructure), the realignment was designed to deliver multi-functional benefits, including improved amenity and biodiversity enhancements to the existing water feature.

Safe Access and Egress: Evidence was provided that safe and dry access and egress — a flood-free route for people of all abilities — is achievable between the site and a secure place outside the flood risk area.

This achievement at the UK AI Growth Zone further reinforces Aegaea’s growing reputation and recent trend of success in supporting high-profile AI data centre developments across Scotland. The firm takes pride in contributing specialist expertise to projects that are fundamental to Scotland’s ambition of becoming a global leader in innovation and cutting-edge technology. Their involvement ensures that this critical infrastructure is developed safely, sustainably, and in full compliance with both SEPA and Local Authority requirements.