Microsoft has unveiled plans for a new technology centre with a 35-metre tower in Southampton which could employ around 200 people within two years.
The technology giant wants to establish a “world-leading” hollow-core fibre Centre of Excellence at Quest 271 in Test Lane, on the site previously home to the Daily Echo offices.
Microsoft Azure Fiber’s existing team of around 120 people would move from Romsey, with the workforce expected to grow to around 200 within the centre’s first two years.
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.”
Hollow-core fibre carries light through air rather than through solid glass, which Microsoft says could allow data to travel more quickly and with less signal loss.
The proposals would see the two existing buildings at Quest 271 converted to provide laboratories, cleanrooms, offices, research and testing areas and specialist manufacturing facilities.
Microsoft also wants to build a 35-metre-high draw tower attached to one of the buildings, which are on the site previously home to the Daily Echo offices.
The tower would be used to make the fibre, with heated glass drawn downwards into extremely thin strands.
Microsoft says the additional height would allow it to make the fibre faster while still giving it enough time to cool.
Redbridge ward councillor Sally Goodfellow welcomed the prospect of new jobs while raising concerns about the tower, parking and traffic.
She said: “It’s great Quest271 will now be fully occupied creating jobs in the area but I’m concerned with the proposed tower.
“There are strict planning conditions in the area due to being directly opposite an SSSI.
“Also the amount of parking needed for staff causes concern.”
She said residents had already contacted her and fellow Labour councillor Eugene McManus with concerns about drivers failing to comply with restrictions intended to prevent traffic using Gover Road.
Cllr Goodfellow said they planned to meet Microsoft to discuss the proposals further.
The plans include 36 additional parking spaces, taking the total to 145, including six accessible bays.
Microsoft says the existing entrances would continue to restrict vehicles to left turns in and right turns out, while the centre is currently expected to receive around one or two lorry visits a day.
The company says environmental assessments are being undertaken because of the site’s location close to the River Test and a sensitive ecological area.
Microsoft is consulting on the proposals until November 16, with a planning application potentially being submitted to Southampton City Council before the end of the month.
Residents can view the virtual exhibition and submit feedback at testlane.consultationonline.co.uk
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