EcoSphere - Data Centre Powered Health & Wellness Hub

Words by Adam Jones ACIAT, University of Lancashire

This project is a proposed health and wellness hub in Preston, Lancashire, that is built upon a brownfield car park in the university quarter. The design has been developed from research into how data centre byproducts can support more sustainable and resilient urban development. The project rethinks the role of digital infrastructure by integrating a data centre directly within a public-facing community building, using waste heat 
from the data halls as a resource rather than treating it as an environmental burden.

The project is shaped by a strong social agenda. The hub is intended to provide inclusive wellness and treatment spaces while creating opportunities for student work experience linked to physiotherapy, sport science, sport coaching and wider health and wellbeing programmes. The scheme positions technology not only as a means of resolving performance and buildability, but as a driver for environmental innovation, community benefit and future-focused urban infrastructure.

Combining my interests in data centres and competitive swimming, the design explores how digital infrastructure and public wellbeing can 
support one another. Research identified a clear gap in Preston’s provision of city-centre leisure, health and wellness facilities, creating an opportunity for a new civic destination. In response, the proposal integrates a data centre within the building, using its presence not as hidden infrastructure, but as a driver of performance, purpose and community benefit.

As part of the brief, I have carried out engagement with university students to act as project stakeholders. Apart from creating a state-of-the-art health and wellness facility key targets included: inclusivity, a community aspect, and sustainable and low operational costs.

The proposed development at Hope Street Car Park will transform the site into a pioneering energy hub for the University of Central Lancashire. By integrating the data centre, the project will act as a mini power station. This not only delivers critical digital infrastructure but also harnesses the significant heat generated by data processing equipment.

This waste heat, typically expelled into the atmosphere, will instead be captured and repurposed to provide sustainable heating for the building though underfloor heating and pool water heating. Through innovative heat recovery systems, excess thermal energy will be distributed to adjacent buildings, reducing overall reliance on fossil fuels and lowering carbon emissions.

The development will:

• Support the university’s digital and operational needs with a robust data centre.
• Generate significant renewable heating from otherwise wasted energy.
• Contribute to ULan’s sustainability goals by reducing carbon footprint and energy costs.
• Provide a scalable, future-proof model for integrated energy solutions in urban campuses.

A key feature of this project is its commitment to enhancing student experience and employability. Students enrolled in sports related courses – such as Physiotherapy, Sport Science, and Sport Coaching – will be offered work experience opportunities linked to the site’s operations.

This may include:

• Placement opportunities supporting sports events, rehabilitation programmes, or health and wellbeing initiatives run from the site.
• Collaboration with public users, providing real-world experience in customer service, facility management, and health promotion.

This project positions the university at the forefront of sustainable campus development, demonstrating leadership in environmental stewardship and 
technological innovation.

The next generation of data centres should not be hidden boxes, but positive contributors to urban life. It’s now time to integrate, innovate and push towards a sustainable digital infrastructure. By integrating data centres into developments, they will act as a micro power stations. This not only delivers critical digital infrastructure but also harnesses the significant heat generated by data processing equipment and converting it into a usable resource.