Data centre provider NEXTDC has commenced construction on its D1 Darwin data centre, an $80 million critical infrastructure project which will house approximately 1,500 racks and support up to eight megawatts of IT load.

The new data centre will offer critical digital infrastructure to support all levels of business and government, with the new centre expected to provide collaborative spaces that will further the Territory’s technology innovators, start-ups and growth companies.

As well, the D1 Darwin will utilise domestic and subsea cables into Darwin to securely connect and support data storage for Australian and overseas customers, and will offer national and international connectivity through the VOCUS’ Darwin-Jakarta-Singapore sub-sea cable project, which was lit earlier this year.

The first stage of D1 Darwin is expected to be operational in mid-2024, while the addition of new sub-sea and terrestrial cables into Darwin is expected over the next few years. This, NEXTDC said, would support D1’s future expansion as it progresses on the remaining planned stages of this critical infrastructure facility.

The new centre will be located within walking distance from the new Charles Darwin University CBD campus, with construction managed by Kapitol Group NT. It is expected to create and support up to 200 jobs.

“Darwin is located within 50 milliseconds to more than 500 million people and offers a secure and stable location for digital, data, technology and telecommunication companies to start up, relocate or expand their operations to service the local, Australian and Indo Pacific markets,” Chief Minister Natasha Fyles, said.

“This $80 million investment, will help diversify and strengthen the Territory economy. Supporting over 200 jobs during construction and 20 jobs when operational, this data centre will spur the growth of tech businesses and many government agencies here in the Territory and create digital careers for locals.”