Global Technical Realty completes first phase of Underground Data Centre

Global Technical Realty (GTR), a $1bn European build-to-suit data center platform - funded by KKR, a leading global investment firm – has confirmed successful completion of a critical first phase in the development of its IS One facility in Petah Tikva, Israel’s premier data centre hub.

“This is GTR’s first underground data center, which is also being built to hyperscale specifications with every element being managed to very specific standards,” said Franek Sodzawiczny, Founder and CEO at Global Technical Realty. “The challenges of building underground are substantial, but with the collaboration of highly experienced engineering minds the dig and retaining walls are progressing well.”

GTR’s new 10.6MW data center development is situated in what has become a key location for many high-tech multinationals and communications companies. The build has therefore had to be managed to exact timelines, with added logistical challenges such as proximity to neighbouring buildings and ensuring access to critical road infrastructure isn’t disrupted.

Supply chain management is a critical aspect of the project’s success. GTR is working closely with several key local partners including Israel Electric Co, AHA Architects, Ashtrom, The Petah Tikva Municipality, and a number of specialist consultants. The team remain focused on critical supply chain management to ensure the timely delivery of the scheme set for Q4 2024.

“We are building a data center that will provide 3,100 sqm of IT space with a combination of 3 to make 2 infrastructure and N+N infrastructure that is all concurrently maintainable. Add to this that the facility will be 16m underground, and the fun really starts,” continued Sodzawiczny. “The GTR executive team is regularly on the ground in Tel Aviv and the wider team can also monitor the site 24x7 via remote cameras. Construction on site runs for almost 24 hours a day. We are tackling moisture, humidity, water proofing, tonnes of concrete, high standards, tight timelines and have set ourselves the target to achieve a LEED Gold Certification for the site on completion. We aren’t shy in pushing the boundaries of what can be done, and know we have the rest of the eyes in the industry on us.”

The Tel Aviv IS One project marks GTR’s second investment in EMEA and its first investment in Israel.

114 MW of take-up tracked across Europe’s established markets with Frankfurt driving momentum.
Keysource, the global data centre and critical environment specialist, has appointed an experienced professional to support the company’s strong international growth.
The DDI Podcast aims to challenge the misconceptions of the data centre and digital infrastructure sectors, sharing the stories of the people and the businesses transforming life as we know it through tech.
Capitalises on rapid growth in appraisal opportunities.
Portman Partners, the global executive search business serving the digital infrastructure sector, has appointed Tony Day as an associate to provide further industry knowledge in helping the search team in identifying the potential senior leadership candidates for the industry’s investors, operators, construction firms, OEMs and technology firms.
Global Technical Realty (GTR) has confirmed the acquisition of its first data center development site in Spain. The site is located on Parc de l’Alba in Cerdanyola del Vallès which is 20 kilometres from the centre of Barcelona. The 15,000 square meter plot has the capacity to accommodate a new 16MW IT load facility.
Further to its June 28th Annual General Meeting (AGM), the European Data Centre Association (EUDCA) has announced the unanimous election of three new members to its Board of Directors. Accordingly, the EUDCA proudly welcomes Géraldine Camara of France Datacenter, Marie Chabanon of Data4, and Matthew Winter from Global Switch, with full confidence in their commitment and expertise to help the EUDCA to fulfill its mission as the voice of Europe’s data centre industry.
A new Europe-wide report has found external site disruptions and inflationary pressures are causing delays to the construction of new data centres and preventing such projects from adopting greener practices.