York and North Yorkshire have submitted a bold proposal to the UK government aiming to transform the region into an AI Growth Zone. The initiative involves building the world’s first carbon-negative data centre and promises to protect 7,000 jobs while unlocking an estimated £85 billion in economic growth through collaborative public and private efforts.
York and North Yorkshire are setting their sights on becoming one of the UK’s AI Growth Zones, a strategic initiative aimed at boosting the digital economy and unlocking an estimated £85 billion worth of regional expansion. Spearheaded by the York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority in collaboration with North Yorkshire Council, Drax Power Station, the University of York, and various public and private sector partners, the proposal outlines a path for the region to significantly enhance its economic landscape.
Mayor of York and North Yorkshire, David Skaith, emphasised the region's rich history of innovation and highlighted the bid as a bold move aligning with government priorities. “Our submission to government is ambitious and backed by a strong coalition of regional partners,” he stated. The proposal promises to create a pathway towards establishing the world’s first carbon-negative data centre as part of an AI and Clean Energy Campus, which could serve as a catalyst for innovation and economic development across multiple sectors.
This initiative falls under the UK government's broader AI Growth Zones programme, which encourages local authorities to present proposals for designated areas where AI infrastructure can thrive. The programme aims to rejuvenate communities, attract investment, and create thousands of jobs, particularly in regions previously reliant on traditional industries. According to a government announcement, such areas will receive support for developing AI-enabled data centres and related infrastructure, with a keen focus on sustainability.
In support of this initiative, Drax development director Richard Gwilliam highlighted the potential for significant economic growth. He noted that establishing an AI Growth Zone at Drax would not only protect up to 7,000 jobs but could also foster a vibrant local innovation ecosystem. North Yorkshire Council’s leader, Councillor Carl Les, echoed these sentiments, asserting that this opportunity could diversify and strengthen the regional economy while promoting environmental sustainability.
Further enhancing the region’s credentials, emerging partnerships, such as one with Data Stream, aim to transform local businesses into data-driven entities. This collaboration will provide tailored workshops focusing on data strategies and infrastructure improvement, essential components for fostering innovation. Initiatives like the YorkshireX AI Adoption Programme, set to start in February, will also play a pivotal role in bridging the AI adoption gap among businesses, offering essential tools and resources to promote engagement with AI technologies.
The region's push for AI development is supported by its strong educational framework, which includes institutions like the University of York. Vice-Chancellor Charlie Jeffery reaffirmed the institution's commitment to responsible AI innovation, signalling that regional advancements in AI will occur alongside rigorous research into safety and ethics.
An announcement regarding the successful bids for AI Growth Zones is expected following the Comprehensive Spending Review scheduled for 11 June. As the region prepares for this pivotal moment, stakeholders remain optimistic about the future economic landscape of York and North Yorkshire, which looks increasingly positioned to lead in AI and digital transformation.
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Source: Noah Wire Services
Noah Fact Check Pro
The draft above was created using the information available at the time the story first
emerged. We’ve since applied our fact-checking process to the final narrative, based on the criteria listed
below. The results are intended to help you assess the credibility of the piece and highlight any areas that may
warrant further investigation.
Freshness check
Score:
8
Notes:
The narrative is recent, with the earliest known publication date being 10 February 2025, when the UK government announced the opening of AI Growth Zone applications. ([gov.uk](https://www.gov.uk/government/news/government-fires-starting-gun-on-ai-growth-zones-to-turbocharge-plan-for-change?utm_source=openai)) The report references a government announcement expected on 11 June 2025, indicating a timely update. However, the narrative includes recycled material from earlier reports, which may affect its freshness. Additionally, the report mentions a press release, which typically warrants a high freshness score. The inclusion of updated data alongside older material suggests a mix of fresh and recycled content. The earliest known publication date of the narrative is 10 February 2025. The report references a government announcement expected on 11 June 2025, indicating a timely update. However, the narrative includes recycled material from earlier reports, which may affect its freshness. Additionally, the report mentions a press release, which typically warrants a high freshness score. The inclusion of updated data alongside older material suggests a mix of fresh and recycled content.
Quotes check
Score:
7
Notes:
The direct quotes from Mayor David Skaith and Drax development director Richard Gwilliam appear to be original, with no exact matches found in earlier material. However, similar sentiments have been expressed in previous reports, indicating potential reuse of content. The lack of exact matches for the quotes suggests potential originality, but the context and phrasing may have been adapted from earlier statements.
Source reliability
Score:
8
Notes:
The narrative originates from TheBusinessDesk.com, a regional news outlet with a focus on business and economic developments. While not as widely recognised as national media, it is a reputable source within its domain. The report references official government announcements and partnerships with established organisations like Drax Power Station and the University of York, lending credibility to the information presented.
Plausability check
Score:
9
Notes:
The claims about York and North Yorkshire's bid for an AI Growth Zone align with the UK government's AI Opportunities Action Plan, which encourages local authorities to submit proposals for AI infrastructure development. ([gov.uk](https://www.gov.uk/government/news/government-fires-starting-gun-on-ai-growth-zones-to-turbocharge-plan-for-change?utm_source=openai)) The involvement of recognised entities such as Drax Power Station and the University of York adds credibility to the initiative. The narrative's tone and language are consistent with official communications, and the structure is focused on the key aspects of the proposal, without excessive or off-topic detail.
Overall assessment
Verdict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): PASS
Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): HIGH
Summary:
The narrative presents a timely and plausible account of York and North Yorkshire's bid for an AI Growth Zone, supported by credible sources and consistent with official government initiatives. While some content appears recycled from earlier reports, the inclusion of updated data and original quotes suggests a mix of fresh and reused material. Overall, the report is reliable and provides valuable insights into the region's economic development plans.
