How it all begun
The road
The journey of EvoGrid begins at Butterworth Fold Farm, a 140-acre expanse of green belt land in Bury, Manchester. The project’s inception in 2024 marked the start of an ambitious transformation, turning agricultural fields into a beacon of sustainable innovation. The road involves meticulous planning, overcoming skepticism, and navigating complex approval processes, culminating in the groundbreaking ceremony of 2026.
The destination
EvoGrid emerges as a self-sustaining ecosystem, seamlessly blending cutting-edge technology with environmental stewardship. At its core stands a 200,000 sq ft state-of-the-art data centre, surrounded by a 30 MW solar farm. The development includes 300 energy-efficient residential units, 750,000 sq ft of industrial space, and extensive green areas, all interconnected by an innovative waste heat recovery system and smart microgrid technology.
The experience
Living in EvoGrid offers a unique fusion of modern comfort and environmental consciousness. Residents enjoy homes heated by reclaimed data centre energy, surrounded by community gardens and shared green spaces. The industrial park buzzes with sustainable businesses leveraging cutting-edge digital infrastructure. The community center serves as a hub for learning and engagement, fostering a sense of shared purpose. EvoGrid stands as a living testament to harmonious coexistence between human progress and nature, inspiring similar developments worldwide.
we have one & it’s awesome!
The story
It all started with
a good view…
In the rolling green hills of Bury, Manchester, a visionary transformation is taking shape. The 140-acre Butterworth Fold Farm, once a patchwork of pastoral fields, is set to become a beacon of sustainable innovation – the EvoGrid project. As dawn breaks over the landscape, the first rays of sunlight glint off the expansive solar farm. Thirty megawatts of clean energy spring to life, powering the beating heart of the development – a state-of-the-art data centre. Within its 200,000 square feet of white space, countless streams of data flow, supporting the digital backbone of the region and beyond. But this is no ordinary data centre. As its servers hum with activity, the excess heat they generate is captured and repurposed. A network of insulated pipes carries this warmth across the site, heating homes and providing hot water to the 300 residential units that dot the eastern portion of the development. Families wake up to cozy homes, their carbon footprints dramatically reduced by this innovative circular energy system.
To the west, the industrial and logistics park comes to life. Trucks roll into the 750,000 square feet of adaptable space, where businesses of all sizes leverage the site’s cutting-edge digital infrastructure. From small startups to large corporations, the EvoGrid development fosters a new era of sustainable industry. Throughout the day, the site’s smart microgrid orchestrates a delicate balance of energy production and consumption. The 7.5 MW battery storage system smooths out peaks and troughs, ensuring a stable power supply even when the sun dips behind clouds or the wind dies down. As evening falls, residents return home through tree-lined paths, passing community gardens and shared green spaces. The development’s commitment to biodiversity is evident in the chorus of birdsong and the buzz of insects in the carefully preserved natural areas. In the community center, a group of local students participates in a workshop on renewable energy, part of EvoGrid’s commitment to education and community engagement. The knowledge shared here will shape the next generation of environmental stewards. As night settles over Butterworth Fold Farm, the data centre continues its tireless work, its waste heat still warming homes and water. The development sleeps, a self-contained ecosystem of technology, sustainability, and community – a glimpse into a future where human progress and environmental stewardship go hand in hand. The EvoGrid project at Butterworth Fold Farm is more than just a development; it’s a testament to what’s possible when visionary planning meets environmental responsibility. It stands as a model for future developments, proving that with innovation and commitment, we can create spaces that nurture both people
We continued
our journey…
As 2026 unfolds, the EvoGrid project at Butterworth Fold Farm is buzzing with activity and anticipation. The groundbreaking ceremony in early 2026 marked the official start of this ambitious development, transforming the once pastoral 140-acre site into a hive of sustainable innovation. Throughout the year, the construction phase is in full swing, providing jobs for over 1,500 local workers. The site resonates with the sounds of machinery and the palpable enthusiasm of those involved, all aware they are part of a groundbreaking initiative. By late 2026, significant progress has been made on the first phase of the project – the data centre and renewable energy infrastructure. The foundations of the state-of-the-art data centre are taking shape, with its impressive 200,000 square feet footprint clearly visible. Alongside it, the installation of the 30 MW solar farm is underway, with rows of high-efficiency photovoltaic panels being meticulously placed to maximize energy capture. In the eastern portion of the site, as shown in the land registry plan, the residential area is beginning to emerge. The outlines of the 300 energy-efficient units are being laid out, with the innovative heat distribution system being integrated into the construction process. To the west, where the industrial and logistics park will stand, groundwork is being prepared for the 750,000 square feet of adaptable space. The smart grid infrastructure is being installed across the site, laying the groundwork for the complex energy management system that will be the backbone of EvoGrid. Community engagement is in full force throughout 2026. Regular open days are held, allowing local residents to witness the progress and learn about the sustainable technologies being implemented. The project team is actively involved in educational outreach, conducting workshops in local schools and community centers to share the vision of EvoGrid. As the year progresses, the project faces and overcomes various challenges, from supply chain issues to integrating cutting-edge technologies. Each hurdle cleared strengthens the resolve of the EvoGrid team and demonstrates the project’s resilience. By the end of 2026, while still in the construction phase, EvoGrid is already beginning to take shape as a tangible reality. The progress made this year sets a solid foundation for the revolutionary sustainable community that will soon call Butterworth Fold Farm home.
The only wish is that we hope to
travel in time to the future…..
As EvoGrid approaches its fifth year of operation in 2030, it stands as a shining example of what’s possible when sustainability and technology work in harmony. The development has not only met but exceeded its initial goals, inspiring similar projects across the UK and beyond. Looking ahead, the EvoGrid team is far from complacent. Plans are already underway for the next phase of development, which includes expanding the renewable energy capacity and exploring cutting-edge energy storage solutions. There’s talk of integrating hydrogen fuel cells and next-generation solar materials, pushing the boundaries of sustainable energy even further. The data centre, the beating heart of EvoGrid, is set to expand, with plans to double its capacity by 2035. This growth will be matched by advancements in heat recovery technology, ensuring that every bit of excess energy is put to good use. In the residential areas, the focus is on continual improvement of smart home technologies. The goal is to create homes that not only consume energy efficiently but actively participate in the site’s energy management, responding in real-time to the grid’s needs. The industrial park is set to become a hub for green tech innovation. Plans are in place to establish an incubator for sustainable startups, providing them with the infrastructure and support they need to bring world-changing ideas to life. Education remains a key focus for the future. The EvoGrid team envisions their site becoming a living laboratory, where students from around the world can come to study sustainable development in action. Partnerships with universities are being forged, and there’s talk of establishing a dedicated research center on site. Perhaps most excitingly, the EvoGrid model is being studied for replication. Cities and developers from across the globe are looking to Butterworth Fold Farm as a blueprint for their own sustainable communities. The team behind EvoGrid is actively engaged in consultations, sharing their knowledge and experience to help spread their vision far and wide. As we look to the future, EvoGrid stands not just as a successful development, but as a beacon of hope. It shows us that with vision, innovation, and commitment, we can create communities that thrive in harmony with the natural world. The story of EvoGrid is far from over – in many ways, it’s just beginning.