Microsoft plans technology centre with 35-metre tower in Southampton

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 6 Nov, 14:36 · Archive

Microsoft plans a new technology centre in Southampton with a 35-metre tower, relocating around 120 staff from Romsey and expecting to grow to 200 within two years.

Microsoft has announced plans for a new technology centre in Southampton focused on hollow-core fibre research and manufacturing. The company will relocate its existing team of around 120 people from Abbey Park Industrial Estate in Romsey, with the workforce expected to grow to around 200 within the centre's first two years.

The centre will be built at Quest 271 in Test Lane, on the site previously home to the Daily Echo offices. The proposals involve converting two existing buildings to provide laboratories, cleanrooms, offices, research and testing areas and specialist manufacturing facilities. Microsoft also plans to build a 35-metre-high draw tower attached to one of the buildings, which will be used to make the fibre by drawing heated glass downwards into extremely thin strands.

Microsoft says hollow-core fibre, which carries light through air rather than through solid glass, could allow data to travel more quickly and with less signal loss. A company spokesperson said: 'Hollow core fiber started in Southampton, and we want its future to be here too. Our plans at Test Lane for a world-leading centre would give our team room to grow, keep skilled jobs in the area and stay close to the research that made this technology possible.' Redbridge ward councillor Sally Goodfellow welcomed the prospect of new jobs while raising concerns about the tower, parking and traffic.

How it is being reported

• Microsoft plans 'world leading' tech centre in Southampton and move from Romsey baseMicrosoft has unveiled plans for a new technology centre with a 35-metre tower in Southampton which could employ around 200 people within two years.Romsey Advertiser · 6 Nov, 13:45
• Microsoft plans 'world leading' tech centre in SouthamptonMicrosoft has unveiled plans for a new technology centre with a 35-metre tower in Southampton which could employ around 200 people within two years.Southern Daily Echo · 5 Nov, 09:57

In this story: Microsoft · Southampton · Romsey · Microsoft Azure Fiber · Sally Goodfellow

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