Plan to bring 20,000 jobs and boost economy by £570m takes step closer on Bury and Rochdale border
A plan to create around 20,000 jobs and boost the Greater Manchester economy by £570m has taken another step forward.
People are now being invited to have their say on plans for the Northern Gateway, the city-region’s biggest and most significant proposed employment development. Set within the Atom Valley Mayoral Development Zone, Northern Gateway will create an employment destination, driving jobs and investment in the northern boroughs.
The sites will be located next to the M60, M62 and M66 motorways, straddling the Bury and Rochdale border.
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The first phase could see around 9,990 high-quality jobs created, with the wider employment site set to deliver around 20,000 jobs in total. It is estimated the £570m economic boost for Greater Manchester will be in addition to £20 million in business rates for local councils.
The plans include 600,000 sq. m of employment space in advanced manufacturing, industrial and logistics; 5,000 sq. m of supporting uses potentially including retail, cafés/restaurants, a hotel, office space; landscaping and green, open space for recreation; and active travel routes linking existing and new homes with jobs.
The Northern Gateway Development Vehicle (NGDV), who are the driving force behind the plan, are a 50/50 partnership between Russell LDP and Harworth Group. They are set to bring forward a planning application for an early phase of the Northern Gateway employment site which covers around half of the overall proposed floorspace.
A spokesperson for the Northern Gateway Development Vehicle said: “Northern Gateway will be one of the largest, most significant employment destinations in the UK. By creating a hub for innovation it’s set to attract national and international businesses and supercharge the Greater Manchester economy.
“The site will deliver opportunities for people living in Bury, Rochdale and beyond with thousands of high-quality jobs and a long-term legacy of skills. Alongside advanced manufacturing jobs, from skilled trades to R&D, AI and robotics, the site could offer high-quality logistics jobs like project managers, IT operatives, sales teams and engineers.”
The consultation runs until February 17, 2025 and the NGDV team will be hosting two drop-in events on:
Wednesday, January 29 between 3pm and 7pm: The Old Police Station Business Centre, Heywood, OL10 1AQ
Tuesday, February 4, between 3pm and 7pm: Pike Fold Golf Club, Hills Lane, Unsworth, Bury, BL9 8QP