$3.7b data centre proposed for former Kurri Kurri aluminium smelter site
A $3.7 billion, 550.5 MW data centre planned for part of the old Hydro Aluminium site in the Hunter is on public exhibition as a state significant development, with submissions open until 11 November 2026.
Plans have been lodged for a $3.7 billion data centre drawing 550.5 megawatts on part of the former Hydro Aluminium smelter land near Kurri Kurri, in the Cessnock City local government area. According to the NSW Planning Portal, application SSD-128819490 went on exhibition on 14 October 2026 and submissions close on 11 November 2026.
Rather than a new structure, the project would turn an industrial building that is already approved, over two storeys, into a data centre of 47,143 square metres. Data halls would take up roughly 32,297 square metres, with 1,481 square metres of offices and the remaining 13,365 square metres given over to corridors and other support space. A separate Complying Development Certificate already covers the shell, which stands at most 17.84 metres high, and the earthworks, so this application deals with the fit-out, operation and extra infrastructure.
The 20.91-hectare site would carry 312 air-cooled chillers, lithium-ion batteries, six diesel backup generators, a switchyard and two substations. Supply would arrive over twin 132 kV links into the Ausgrid network, and the facility would run around the clock. Project information does not state battery capacity, generator ratings or forecast annual electricity use.
The Environmental Impact Statement puts peak construction labour at 1,210 people during a 14-month build and fit-out, followed by about 254 full-time-equivalent roles in operation. These are assessment estimates rather than confirmed jobs.
ADW Johnson Pty Ltd lodged the application and Willowtree Planning wrote the Environmental Impact Statement. The Australian Developer describes ADW Johnson as a Hunter region planning consultancy and says the filing names no developer or end user.
Reports differ on some details. Urban Digest's article text gives the location as Hart Road, Loxford, but the portal snapshot it published shows 145 Bishops Bridge Road, Sawyers Gully. Likewise, the article text says $3.7 billion while the snapshot says $3.71 billion.
No determination has been made, and the portal lists no decision date. The Australian Developer says Cessnock City Council is not the consent authority and that the state planning pathway will decide.