ILI, though, are bullish about the plans.
The company recently held the first of three consultations in the region at a Kilmarnock hotel, yards from the local football team’s Rugby Park ground.
Views among those attending were mixed.
One couple told BBC Scotland News that East Ayrshire needed investment, and anything that could get jobs locally would be welcomed.
Another man said that while he was not thrilled about data centres in general, it was where the future was and Ayrshire could benefit as a result.
Greig Templeton of ILI was among staff speaking to locals as they visited.
He said the company’s plans would be a positive for the whole area.
“ILI have a track record of bringing in community benefits,” he argued, pointing to the Red John hydropump storage project in the Highlands, which has been bought by Norwegian company Statkraft.
“By the time we moved the project on to them, we had committed to the community. That has involved things like a community fund, setting up a water taxi, and installing walkways around the area.
“These are benefits that came from speaking to people in the area about what is needed.”