CPS completes data centre for University of Cambridge

CPS completes a critical data centre for the University of Cambridge on the West Cambridge site. The works totalled over £1.5 million and were delivered on time whilst maintaining this critical live environment for the University. CPS were appointed as the principal contractor for the project managing the F10, building control and all associated works for the scheme.

The University of Cambridge, West Cambridge Data Centre houses all of the critical support systems for the University’s network throughout the UK.

CPS Building Services were appointed following a rigorous tendering process following an unsuccessful previous appointment for the scheme.

Not only was this a complete mechanical and electrical design, build, install, test, and commission project it also had the complexities of being fed from an unreliable existing system and changeovers needed from the old system to the new one.

CPS Building Services were also appointed to carry out the civils and build elements of the scheme which involved excavations, drainage, chiller base, plantroom build and acoustic louvres.

The project was treated as an open book collaboration with all stakeholders being party to any of the critical activities which had to take place on the scheme.

Added to the fact the installation needed to remain live CPS Building Services dealt with the issues of supplier problems owing to ongoing COVID-related manufacturing issues in Europe.

Each changeover of the old cooling units to the new system was treated as an individual project and large activities such as manoeuvring the prefabricated pipework in and around the data halls were “dry ran” to demonstrate there were no risks to the data hall which could not be disrupted at any time.

A strong trust was built between the critical services team on site and CPS Building Services’ management which was essential given the poor experience the data centre had with the previous contractor.

A challenging project well executed by not just the CPS Team but our wider design partners of which we can all be extremely proud.