Atom Valley plans take a major step forward

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Plans for the Mayoral Development Zone proposed across parts of Rochdale, Heywood, Middleton, Bury and Oldham will be coordinated in the coming weeks.

First announced in April, the zone – dubbed ‘Atom Valley’ – is focused on three sites: the Northern Gateway (which straddles Bury and Rochdale near the M66 and M62); Kingsway Business Park in Rochdale; and Stakehill in Rochdale and Oldham.
 

Read more: Atom Valley to feature at the heart of Greater Manchester’s growth planPublished: 04 April 2022

The sites will have the potential to accommodate around 1.6 million sq m of new employment space, generating around 20,000 jobs with 7,000 homes.

It is proposed that Atom Valley will be supported by significant investment in sustainable transport and other infrastructure to ensure that the new jobs are accessible to local residents.

The three councils, and the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA), are now being asked to approve the creation of the MDZ and how it will be coordinated in the coming weeks.

Governance arrangements including the formation of a MDZ Board will be established to ensure the necessary infrastructure and investment is secured to realise the full potential and aspirations of the area.

Bury Council will be the first to consider the plans when its cabinet meets next Wednesday (13 July).

Councillor Neil Emmott, leader of Rochdale Borough Council, said: “Atom Valley will bring many benefits to all parts of our borough through the development of new and better housing with 5,650 homes for the borough, better transport links and space for businesses that will create thousands of jobs for our residents in the technology and innovation sectors.

“The mayoral development zone will boost our long-term plans for Atom Valley, which are being delivered by Rochdale Borough Council and our partner councils for the benefit of the residents of the borough and the wider region.”

Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham said: “Atom Valley will be the key to unlocking the huge economic potential of Greater Manchester as a world leader in research and innovation. The Mayoral Development Zone that we’re proposing will allow us to work better together with Bury, Rochdale and Oldham, national agencies and the private sector to accelerate our plans for the North of the conurbation, and support the kind of sustainable growth that will benefit our people and places.

“To really level up we need to be building an innovative, inclusive economy fit for the future – one that will provide good employment opportunities for people here and be recognised globally for its strengths.

“Atom Valley will be right at the heart of this vision, delivering the world-class infrastructure, the high-quality jobs, and the investment opportunities needed to make this the engine room of Greater Manchester’s next industrial revolution.”