Research computing moves to new state-of-the-art data centre
1 October 2025
Cardiff University’s Advanced Research Computing service (ARCCA) is pleased to announce the successful handover of a new, dedicated datacentre hosting suite designed to support the University’s growing research and IT needs.
The new facility, located at Cloud Centres’ Tier III-certified data centre north of Cardiff, provides a secure, scalable, and future-ready environment for high-performance computing (HPC) and digital research infrastructure. Fully ISO27001 and ISO9001 compliant, the site offers robust security, operational resilience, and the flexibility to expand in line with future requirements.
Configured to support both advanced direct liquid cooling and traditional air-based cooling, the new hosting suite is already home to Falcon, Cardiff University’s next-generation HPC cluster, which is currently undergoing acceptance testing.
Later this year, the University’s existing Redwood data centre will be decommissioned, with Cloud Centres also becoming the home for corporate IT services and research partner hardware. The migration of systems and equipment will take place in phases between October and December 2025, managed by partners IKM in collaboration with University staff to minimise disruption.
The new facility benefits from resilient high-speed connectivity through dual network suppliers (BT and Transport for Wales’ Ffeibr), extending the University’s fibre network beyond campus. While Cardiff University will continue to provide day-to-day technical support and administration of its services and hosted hardware, Cloud Centres delivers 24/7 onsite infrastructure monitoring and off-site fire protection, ensuring the highest levels of reliability and service availability.
In addition to its technical capabilities, the move enables Cardiff to take advantage of a state-of-the-art facility that significantly improves energy efficiency, reducing CO2 emissions compared with the University’s previous on-campus data centre. This transition also promises substantial cost savings, supporting the University’s commitment to sustainable and efficient research infrastructure.
Looking ahead, Cardiff University will launch a new Research Data Storage (RDS) service in 2026, with the supported solution to be hosted at Cloud Centres. The site’s notable expansion capacity also further strengthens Cardiff University’s position as a key enabler for future Tier-2 HPC and AI investment, supporting both cutting edge research and Wales’s broader digital infrastructure ambitions.