The ambitious Northern Gateway project has marked a pivotal advancement in its development journey, eyeing a substantial economic impact.
- Expected to inject £1bn into the Rochdale and Bury economies, this project promises over 20,000 new high-quality jobs.
- Key to the Atom Valley development, the initiative spans 1.2 million square metres of potential employment space.
- Approval of a Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) will streamline external funding and development processes.
- Councils from both boroughs are set to review and possibly greenlight the SPD in upcoming meetings.
The Northern Gateway project, a significant segment of the Atom Valley initiative, anticipates providing a remarkable £1bn economic boost to Rochdale and Bury. This expansive undertaking promises the creation of over 20,000 high-quality jobs, signifying a transformative economic impact. This development, positioned strategically near junction 19 of the M62, represents a substantial investment in regional growth.
A critical element of this project’s forward momentum is the approval of a Supplementary Planning Document (SPD), which delineates planning principles necessary for informed decision-making on planning applications. The SPD’s implementation will aid in simplifying the process of acquiring external funding, thus proving essential for driving the project’s progress. The SPD will encapsulate various facets such as proposed infrastructure, design principles and anticipated benefits, concentrating on employment sites at Heywood and Pilsworth.
The councils of Rochdale and Bury are preparing to review the SPD. Rochdale Council’s cabinet will consider the document on October 29, followed by Bury Council on November 6. Upon approval, the document will be subject to public consultation, offering local communities and businesses a platform to express their insights and opinions, as reported by the Manchester Evening News.
The far-reaching implications of the Northern Gateway project extend to its role as a nucleus for high-tech industries and innovation within the greater Atom Valley Mayoral Development Zone. The potential job creation associated with this development is set to significantly uplift the local economy. Rochdale Borough Council leader Coun Neil Emmott expressed enthusiasm, highlighting its potential to rebalance Greater Manchester’s economy through quality employment and improved transport links.
Bury Council leader, Coun Eamonn O’Brien, remarked that this initiative is a crucial opportunity to attract jobs and investment to the area. It is a ‘once in a lifetime opportunity,’ with capacity to foster prosperous communities, enhancing economic prospects for generations. Meanwhile, the Northern Gateway Development Vehicle continues to deliberate on the technical constraints and development possibilities, which will inform the comprehensive masterplan set for planning application submission next year.
The Northern Gateway project stands as a beacon of economic potential poised to invigorate the Rochdale and Bury regions through strategic planning and development.
