Spodegreen Data Centre
We are proposing to develop a campus-style data centre on land south of Lymm Road, WA14 4TP, to the north of the M56 and west of the A556.
Our emerging proposals would bring new investment to the area and support the wider digital ecosystem, contributing to the region’s long-term economic growth and strengthening its position as an attractive location for future investment. The total site area, including space for new landscaping and ecological areas, extends to approximately 60 hectares. The site benefits from strong transport links via the M56 and the M6 (approximately 5 miles west of the site).
What data centres do and why do we need them?
A data centre is a secure facility that houses the computer systems and digital infrastructure that store, process and deliver data for the services we use every day. Inside, computer servers, networking equipment and storage devices work continuously to power websites, apps, cloud services, streaming platforms, online banking, healthcare systems that we all use and rely on each day, and much more.
As our reliance on digital services grows, more data centre capacity is needed. They play an increasingly vital role in keeping modern life connected, efficient and running 24/7. The core functions of data centres include:
Supporting cloud and enterprise IT operations.
Ensuring the UK’s data sovereignty under UK GDPR and compliance standards.
Maintaining connectivity and continuity for essential services such as healthcare, online banking, government services, online learning and remote working.
The importance of data centres to the UK’s economy and modern life has been recognised by the Government, who have designated data centres as Critical National Infrastructure. This classification of data centres as critical digital infrastructure supports the ongoing operation and transformation of public services, economic growth, and the UK’s ambitions for the digital economy.
Current national policy aims to accelerate investment in digital infrastructure through planning reform, improved access to electricity infrastructure, and reflecting the strategic importance of data centres to the growth of the UK economy and digital resilience. This proposal would align with the wider objective of the UK Government of increasing UK digital capacity.
Local benefits
This proposal will create approximately 350 full-time equivalent highly skilled, high value jobs across construction and operations, supporting economic activity in Cheshire East and across the wider region, into Greater Manchester, by creating opportunities for local businesses, suppliers and wider supply chains, with benefits extending beyond the immediate site.
Innova is committed to working with colleges and universities in the region to develop and fund apprenticeship and training opportunities.
Inclusion of a ‘Living Lab’ educational facility which can be used to train staff, provide space for apprentice site training and teaching days, and space for STEM events to encourage young people into tech, construction and environmental careers.
Reusing heat: The project team is actively assessing opportunities to reuse heat generated by the data centre to heat nearby homes and businesses, reducing energy costs and supporting the area’s economic viability. We are proposing an on-site district heating energy centre which will facilitate this during the operational period. Innova is seeking nearby off takers for the heat.
Boosting biodiversity: The development would be landscape-led, retaining and enhancing existing hedgerows and trees, creating new woodland planting and habitats, and providing substantial green buffers around the site. These measures will help strengthen ecological networks, support wildlife and deliver Biodiversity Net Gain, with detailed assessments and management plans informing the final design.
Improved local connectivity and fibre internet infrastructure, creating long-term internet resilience to the area.
Generating funding for local services: The development would generate significant additional business rates for Cheshire East Council, contributing to the Council’s wider resources for delivering local services and supporting investment across the area.
Strengthening the North West’s business and innovation offer: The region is already recognised as a leading UK and European technology hub, with a thriving £5 billion digital ecosystem and established strengths in sectors including cyber security, fintech and digital technology. Located close to this growing technology cluster, the proposed data centre would help provide the digital capacity and resilient infrastructure needed to support the region’s continued growth, helping to attract new businesses and investment to the area, while supporting the wider tech ecosystem that operates across Cheshire, Warrington and Greater Manchester.
A Community Benefit Fund is currently being explored to specifically direct funds locally where it is needed.
Public Consultation Events
We want to hear from communities about our proposals, so we held the first consultation event on September 30th 2026 from 4 pm until 8 pm at High Legh Village Hall, West Lane, Knutsford, WA16 6LR. This event showed the initial plans for the proposed development and allowed residents to provide feedback on these plans.
Innova will hold a second in-person event later in 2026 to share more detailed information on the project and explain how this has evolved having account of consultation feedback and completion of environmental assessments and surveys.
The purpose of this second event is to provide an opportunity to learn more about the finalised proposal and the changes made to the scheme following public consultation. We are also keen to learn how our community benefit fund could be used in the local community. Details of the second consultation event will be made available shortly, and this website will be updated with further information.
The Project Team
Innova identify and deliver sites for a range of developments including renewable energy and data centres. We currently have a combined solar and storage capacity in excess of 24GW[RT1] in the UK. Innova has an experienced team working across a number of energy and infrastructure projects across the UK, identifying and securing the most appropriate sites and achieving permission through proactive and collaborative work with stakeholders and Local Planning Authorities.
Alpaca Communications is a strategic communications agency supporting developers of resilient infrastructure across renewable energy, digital and water, from public consultation and stakeholder engagement to political and corporate communications.
JLL (Jones Lang LaSelle Incorporated) is a leading global commercial real estate services and investment management company that helps clients buy, build, occupy, manage and invest in a variety of industries, including office, industrial, hotel, multi-family, retail and data centre properties.