A state-of-the-art AI data centre is set to be created on the former Unilever site, it was revealed at the annual Warrington Business Conference.
The announcement was a highlight of the conference, which focused on the theme “Innovate Warrington”.
Georgi Dimitrov, CEO of Fantasy AI, welcomed the development, saying: “This kind of investment in AI infrastructure is exactly what fuels digital transformation—not just for large tech firms, but for entire communities. It enables innovation at every level: local businesses, educators, and startups all benefit from faster, smarter technology access.”
The conference, held for the sixth time at Cineworld in Time Square, brought together over 300 delegates from across the borough and featured a lineup of prominent speakers.
The news of the data centre, announced by Platform DC, comes alongside wider reports of major investment in the UK’s tech sector and is being hailed as a significant step for Warrington’s economy.
The development is expected to transform the redundant Unilever site, which has been empty since production ceased in 2020.
In addition to the data centre news, the conference also showcased other significant developments, including a new brand for Warrington Chamber of Commerce, which has merged with the Warrington Business Exchange, to create the largest business group in the area – Warrington Chamber Plus.
Before the conference, it was announced that Cheshire and Warrington are poised to unlock billions in investment and thousands of new jobs through the green revolution.
The event was delivered by a partnership including Warrington & Co, the Business Exchange, and the Warrington Chamber of Commerce, underscoring the strong collaboration between the public and private sectors in the town.
Dante Group Director Carl Oates, part of the new Platform DC project, said: “If ever there was an event to demonstrate the positive way that public, private and academic worlds can collaborate to engineer optimism, innovation and growth, it was the annual Warrington Business Conference. Myself, my business partners and colleagues feel ready for the next 12 months and we know Warrington is rooting for us!”
Warrington Chamber Plus CEO Stephen Fitzsimons said:”Warrington is home to an impressive array of global innovators, so it was great to get them together at one event to help inspire the next generation of creative thinking.”
Warrington Borough Council‘s Interim Chief Executive Steve Park added: “Once again, Warrington has shown itself to be at the forefront of innovation with fantastic examples of how Artificial Intelligence is being used to improve productivity and support growth in the local economy.”