Theobalds Enterprise Centre proudly hosted the official launch of the Google Waltham Cross Data Centre this month, marking a significant milestone for Hertfordshire’s digital future and economic growth.
The event brought together elected representatives, business leaders, community organisations and technology partners to celebrate the opening of a major piece of national digital infrastructure — and to underline the region’s growing influence within the UK’s innovation economy.
MP Lewis Cocking addressed guests, highlighting the importance of sustained investment in digital capability to support Hertfordshire’s long-term prosperity. He emphasised that world-class infrastructure enables businesses across the region to innovate, scale and adopt emerging technologies with confidence.
Deputy Leader Steve Wortley, Cabinet Member for Economic Development and Growth, described the Data Centre as a catalyst for regeneration, inward investment and job creation across Broxbourne. He reinforced the importance of collaboration between local enterprise networks and global technology leaders in strengthening the regional economy.
Representatives from Google’s infrastructure team shared behind-the-scenes insight into the development and sustainability focus of the Waltham Cross facility, outlining its strategic role within Google’s wider UK operations. They also highlighted Google’s ongoing commitment to community partnership and investment, including:
- Funding for Broxbourne & East Herts Community Alliance (BEHCA) to support community development programmes.
- Support for Theobalds-based charity CHEXS to expand its work with families and young people.
- The launch of a new Community Innovation Grant in spring 2026, designed to support local organisations and innovative small businesses working to improve digital access, digital skills and community wellbeing.
The event was brought to life with local caterers Soka providing an array of delicious canapes, and refreshments, and an outstanding performance from Britains Got Talent Finalists The D-Day Darlings who even got the crowd singing along to “Pack Up Your Troubles” a non to the resilience and required in business..
Reflecting on the journey of the Centre itself, Zoe Galea, Dual Centre Manager at Theobalds Enterprise Centre, said:
“Two and a half years ago, we were handed the keys to an empty building in the middle of a construction site. It was hard to imagine then what this space would become. Today, to see it full of ambitious founders, growing businesses and regional partners collaborating on something as significant as this is incredibly rewarding.
From day one, our focus has been on offering high-quality, practical support to ambitious entrepreneurs who want to build something meaningful here in Hertfordshire.”
Julie Creffield, Innovation Director at Theobalds Enterprise Centre, added:
“This launch demonstrates what happens when global technology leaders align with local ambition. Digital infrastructure is not just about data – it is about opportunity. It enables founders to build, SMEs to grow, and communities to develop the digital skills that will define the next decade.
At Theobalds Enterprise Centre, our role is to connect people – businesses, educators, policymakers and innovators – so that digital transformation is inclusive and accessible. Google’s commitment to community partnership and digital skills investment shows how deeply this project is rooted in long-term regional impact.”
As part of the Oxford Innovation Space network, Theobalds Enterprise Centre continues to act as a vital convenor across Hertfordshire – bringing together start-ups, scale-ups, established SMEs, public sector partners and global technology providers. Through practical workshops, digital adoption programmes and collaborative initiatives, the Centre plays a critical role in strengthening digital capability across the region and ensuring that businesses of all sizes can participate in the evolving economy.
