Science & Tech · Big Tech & Internet · 14 hrs ago
Developers scrap AI data centre plan for Sydney site after community backlash
Developers Stockland and John Boyd Properties withdrew plans for an AI data centre at the former Kogarah Golf Club site in Arncliffe, southern Sydney.
The facility was part of a proposed logistics precinct on an 18.3-hectare site beside the Cooks River.
Local residents and a community group opposed the data centre, citing risks to river ecology and concerns about its energy and water use.
The group says the site has become a refuge for wildlife while the river is being restored after years of pollution.
The developers say they will focus on a logistics precinct without a data centre, with a planned public riverside path, park and transport upgrades.
They will continue planning and stakeholder discussions, and a revised masterplan is expected.
The decision also adds to debate over how data centres are approved in New South Wales, where the government has until February to respond to a parliamentary inquiry.
Developers Stockland and John Boyd Properties have withdrawn plans for an AI data centre at the former Kogarah Golf Club site in Sydney.
The proposed facility was part of an estimated $3.5 billion logistics precinct at Arncliffe beside the Cooks River.
A community group that opposed the data centre called the withdrawal a “victory for people power”.
Residents and a local councillor raised concerns about environmental impacts, energy and water use, and noise.
The developers say they will now focus on a logistics precinct that does not include a data centre.
- Who
- Developers Stockland and John Boyd Properties withdrew the plans. The community group Stop the Cooks River AI Project opposed the data centre.
- What
- Plans for an AI data centre were scrapped. The developers said the amended masterplan would exclude it.
- When
- The withdrawal date is not stated. The proposal was revealed in July last year.
- Where
- The former Kogarah Golf Club site at Arncliffe, in southern Sydney, beside the Cooks River.
- Why
- The developers’ reason for withdrawing the data centre plan is not stated. Community members raised concerns about local ecology, energy and water use, and noise.
Stockland and John Boyd Properties
Stop the Cooks River AI Project and local opponents
Aspect
Stockland and John Boyd Properties
The developers said the revised logistics precinct would not include a data centre.
Stop the Cooks River AI Project and local opponents
The group protested against the proposed data centre.
Aspect
Stockland and John Boyd Properties
The developers described the site as suited to a logistics hub, with potential for mixed uses.
Stop the Cooks River AI Project and local opponents
Opponents raised concerns about risks to the river’s ecology and remediation efforts.
Aspect
Stockland and John Boyd Properties
The developers said the project would include a public foreshore link, parkland, road upgrades and improved active transport connections.
Stop the Cooks River AI Project and local opponents
A local councillor cited concerns about energy and water use, noise, and the effects of AI.
The proposed development was revealed to the local community.
Stop the Cooks River AI Project formed.
The Minns government released its data centre policy framework.
Stockland and John Boyd Properties withdrew plans for the data centre.
- Developers
- Stockland and John Boyd Properties
- Site
- 18.3-hectare former Kogarah Golf Club site, Arncliffe
- Proposed precinct cost
- Estimated $3.5 billion
- Planned park
- 14-hectare Pemulwuy Park
- Foreshore link
- One kilometre
What people are saying
People really love this river and we're just horrified to hear that it could be threatened in this way
world class logistics precinct which does not include a data centre as part of the amended Concept Masterplan
That space has become a bit of a wildlife sanctuary since nothing much has happened with the old Kogarah Golf Club since they sold it