A groundbreaking vision to deliver 7,000 new homes, create 20,000 high-quality jobs, and unlock 17 million square feet of employment land is moving forward. The Atom Valley project, described as a nationally significant scheme, is set to transform north Manchester. Now, a new mayoral development corporation (MDC) will accelerate progress.
Mayoral Development Corporation Powers
The Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) has granted special powers to the MDC to speed up development and attract investment. These powers include the ability to acquire, hold, regenerate, and dispose of land, as well as compulsory purchase order (CPO) authority to cut red tape and reduce costs. Council documents state the MDC will collaborate with landowners and developers to align priorities and future plans.
Economic Impact
Atom Valley is expected to deliver a £7bn boost to the regional economy through employment and investment. The MDC, led by business leaders and council officials from Bury and Rochdale, will use these powers to unlock land for transformation.
Key Developments Underway
Physical progress is already evident with the Sustainable Materials and Manufacturing Centre (SMMC) under construction at Kingsway Business Park near the M62. Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham attended the groundbreaking ceremony in November, calling the research hub a catalyst for growth in advanced manufacturing, machinery, materials, and scientific research.
Three Core Components
Atom Valley comprises three key sites: Kingsway Business Park, Stakehill, and the Northern Gateway. Stakehill will deliver around 1,650 new homes and 231 acres of employment space for industrial, distribution, and advanced manufacturing uses, with direct access to the M62 and M60. Plans for 314 homes near Stakehill Industrial Estate were submitted last year. The Northern Gateway project, one of the region's largest employment hubs, is expected to attract up to 10,000 jobs and 6.5 million square feet of industrial space for advanced manufacturing, industrial, and logistics sectors. Outline plans were submitted by the Northern Gateway Development Vehicle (NGDV), a 50/50 partnership between Russell LDP and Harworth Group plc.
Mayor's Vision
At the Kingsway groundbreaking, Mayor Burnham described the project as the start of a 'decade of growth' for north Manchester. He said: "This is a major milestone on our journey to be a world-leading city-region... This is a huge statement about how Rochdale has changed." He emphasized the need for inclusive growth, stating: "We've not seen enough change in Rochdale, Oldham, Bury, Wigan and Leigh – that's why this is significant."
Infrastructure Upgrades
Work has begun on the Simister Island upgrade at Junction 18, creating five lanes and a new link road to ease congestion, following Department for Transport approval. However, Mayor Burnham stressed the need for better public transport, including a Metrolink extension. He said: "The congestion is a drag on productivity... We need a plan for road and rail to support the level of ambition that is Atom Valley."
A committee meeting on the Atom Valley Northern Gateway Mayoral Development Corporation was postponed but is expected to reconvene soon.
