EdgeConneX, a pioneer in global Build-to-Suit and Build-to-Density digital infrastructure solutions, has entered the Australian market through a 50-50 joint venture with property group Stockland (ASX: SGP).
The companies plan to develop, own and operate a portfolio of hyperscale data centre campuses across Australia, starting with Sydney and Melbourne.
The EdgeConneX Stockland Data Centre partnership combines Stockland’s land, development and project management expertise with EdgeConneX’s global experience delivering data centre solutions for large content, cloud and AI providers.
The partners are advancing an initial portfolio of hyperscale campuses in Sydney and Melbourne, with 450MW of power already secured.
They are also progressing additional power applications and planning.
“Together, we are creating a strong platform to support the responsible growth of Australia’s digital economy,” said Justin Louis, Chief Investment Officer at Stockland.
To lead its Australian business and market development strategy, EdgeConneX has appointed Chris Maher as Managing Director for Australia.
Maher brings more than 20 years of experience across digital infrastructure, asset management and finance in Asia Pacific and the United States.
He has played a leading role in establishing and growing major digital infrastructure businesses, with extensive experience in data centre development and operations, as well as large-scale infrastructure investment.
The company said his sector knowledge and understanding of the Australian market leave him well positioned to support its continued growth in the region.
“Australia has a significant opportunity to become a leading market for digital infrastructure and AI,” said Maher.
He noted that digital infrastructure and the technology it enables are changing the way people live and work, from healthcare to agriculture and mining.
EdgeConneX has also joined Data Centres Australia (DCA), the nation’s leading industry body for data centres and AI infrastructure, as a principal member.
It will work alongside DCA’s more than 100 diverse members to advance the digital infrastructure opportunity in Australia.
DCA Chief Executive Officer Belinda Dennett welcomed the company and congratulated Maher on his appointment.
She said Australia has an opportunity to lead the region in sustainable data centre development, capturing economic and strategic advantage from the current wave of global AI infrastructure investment.
The appointment comes amid strong momentum in the Australian market.
According to DCA’s latest Economic Impact report, the country’s abundant renewable energy leaves it uniquely positioned to power regional AI demand sustainably, turning clean energy into a digital export.
The report estimates that capturing the AI export market could add up to $4.1 billion in additional annual economic activity by 2030 and support up to 17,120 more jobs.
That would be a net addition on top of the activity and employment projected from meeting domestic demand.
Kelvin Fong, Managing Director, Asia Pacific at EdgeConneX, described Australia as one of the fastest-growing infrastructure hubs in the region.
He pointed to strong fundamentals such as renewable energy for long-term sustainable investment, and said the company looks forward to supporting customers as they grow in the market, with Maher leading the local team.
