Five towns in Greater Manchester could be transformed under plans to create mayoral development corporations (MDCs). Oldham, Bolton, Middleton, Ashton and Stalybridge in Tameside are all in line for major investment and upgrades through partnerships between local leaders and the Greater Manchester mayor.
The Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) recently completed public consultations on the move and is currently reviewing feedback before taking the next steps. The proposals aim to raise the profile of the northern towns and attract funding, following the success of Stockport, where a £2bn transformation is underway. The Stockport MDC was set up by former mayor Andy Burnham in 2019 and saw its boundary expanded in February with parliamentary approval.
Ashton and Stalybridge
The proposed Ashton and Stalybridge MDC aims to create ‘a well-connected, transport‑focused community’ in the areas, according to the GMCA consultation. A key part of the plan is to create the first fully integrated Bee Network Hub, bringing together bus, tram, and train services to improve connectivity, boost the economy, and support wider regeneration.
Setting up an MDC is expected to ‘attract public and private investment’ into the Tameside towns. The funds would support 3,000 new homes including affordable housing, improved local facilities, and new jobs. A Tameside council spokesperson said: “The Mayoral Development Corporation (MDC) has the potential to support transformational transport-led regeneration across Ashton and Stalybridge by attracting investment, improving connectivity, and creating new opportunities for residents and businesses, including new homes and jobs.”
Bolton
Plans for a Bolton Town Centre MDC are based around 13 development sites, aiming to ‘substantially boost’ the town’s economy and improve quality of life. The proposals include up to 2,000 new homes, 31,000 sqm of business space, 300 hotel beds, serviced apartments, and new food, drink, and community facilities.
‘Establishing the Bolton Town Centre Mayoral Development Corporation will amplify the profile of Bolton’s town centre programme both regionally and nationally to attract future investment, demand and growth,’ the GMCA consultation explained. Bolton council was contacted for comment.
Middleton
The proposed MDC for Middleton would be chaired by Middleton-born actor and comedian Steve Coogan and Rose Marley, chief executive of Co-operatives UK. It would focus on bringing forward around 1,500 new homes (including affordable homes), boosting commercial and leisure facilities, and improving public spaces.
This would bring ‘visible improvements’ to Middleton, helping local people benefit from new jobs and better services. Rochdale council declined to comment.
Oldham
A mayoral development corporation for Oldham is centred on a proposed Health, Sport Science and Innovation Campus, part of a £70m SportsTown masterplan. The plan aims to improve health and access to education and culture.
An Oldham council spokesperson said: “The proposed Mayoral Development Corporation is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to accelerate regeneration in Oldham and bring forward the transformational projects that will shape our borough's future. It would also establish Oldham as Greater Manchester's first Live Well regeneration pilot, putting health, wellbeing, education and inclusive growth at the heart of regeneration and creating stronger, healthier and more connected communities. From SportsTown and Northern Roots to the continued transformation of our town centre, the MDC would help unlock investment, create jobs, attract new businesses and deliver more homes and opportunities for local people. This is about making Oldham an even better place to live, work, visit and invest.”
