A major advancement has been made in the £1bn Northern Gateway initiative.
- The project is anticipated to generate over 20,000 high-quality jobs.
- An economic boost of £1bn is expected for Rochdale and Bury.
- The development features 1.2 million square metres of employment space.
- Supplementary Planning Document approved, moving the project forward.
A transformative milestone has been reached for the ambitious Northern Gateway project, which is expected to yield substantial economic benefits for the Rochdale and Bury regions. This significant development, part of the Atom Valley initiative, is poised to not only generate over 20,000 high-quality jobs but also inject a sizeable economic boost of £1bn into the local economy.
Central to the scheme is the impressive expanse of 1.2 million square metres designated for employment, strategically located near junction 19 of the M62. This project represents a major component of the Atom Valley Mayoral Development Zone, designed to bolster high-tech industries and foster innovation throughout northern Greater Manchester.
Recently, both Rochdale and Bury councils were tasked with reviewing a Supplementary Planning Document (SPD), a move intended to streamline the approval and funding processes for this venture. By outlining planning principles and detailing infrastructure, implementation schedules, and design philosophies, the SPD will serve as a crucial tool in expediting development approvals.
The SPD’s focus remains strictly on employment sites within Heywood and Pilsworth, leaving residential plans for Simister and Bowlee to other considerations. Having received the green light from the Places for Everyone plan, these developments form an integral part of a broader strategy to invigorate the region’s economic landscape.
Leadership from the Rochdale and Bury councils, including Coun Neil Emmott and Coun Eamonn O’Brien, emphasized the unparalleled opportunity this project represents. Coun Emmott viewed it as a step towards rebalancing the economy across Greater Manchester, while Coun O’Brien hailed it as a ‘game-changer,’ predicting it will foster thriving communities. A Northern Gateway Development Vehicle official highlighted the ongoing challenges and opportunities intrinsic to such a complex undertaking.
The Northern Gateway initiative stands as a pivotal opportunity to transform the economic landscape of Rochdale and Bury.
