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 6 miles from 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 a significant number of 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 proposals include technology to capture heat generated from servers and cooling systems and out it to use. This heat can be reused for nearby homes, businesses, or community projects, helping to improve energy efficiency and reduce carbon emissions, as well as the onsite office space and the Living Lab. Heat reuse is being actively assessed, including the potential for a local heat network. Innova is actively seeking local opportunities for use of this 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 circa £20 million 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 Event
We want to hear from communities about our proposals, so we will be holding the first consultation event on September 30th 2026. This event will show the initial plans for the proposed development and allow feedback on the design as it progresses.
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 consultation event will be held on the 30th of September 2026, from 4 pm until 8 pm at High Legh Village Hall, West Lane, Knutsford, WA16 6LR.
The purpose of this consultation event is to provide an opportunity to learn more about the proposal, the technology, and to hear feedback on the proposal from residents and to learn how our community benefit fund could be used in the local community.
Please note that parking for the village hall is on the opposite side of the road at High Legh Village Hall.
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.