Rochdale’s role in Atom Valley: a hub for innovation and growth

Rochdale, alongside Bury and Oldham, is one of three boroughs that are part of a transformative initiative designed to establish a dynamic, interconnected manufacturing mega-cluster in Greater Manchester, writes Mark Robinson of Rochdale Council.

This visionary project blends world-class industry with cutting-edge research and development, positioning Rochdale at the forefront of industrial advancement.

Atom Valley is a Mayoral Development Zone that was launched in August 2022. Unrivalled in scale within Greater Manchester, the project aims to deliver 17.3m sq ft of employment space for industrial use and create 7,000 low-carbon homes. Across its three main development sites – Northern Gateway, Stakehill, and Kingsway Business Park – Atom Valley will generate 20,000 high-quality jobs, significantly boosting the local and regional economy.

A major milestone for Rochdale’s involvement in Atom Valley has been the recent approval of planning permission for the Sustainable Materials and Manufacturing Centre. Set to be built at Kingsway Business Park, adjacent to the Metrolink tram stop, the SMMC will be a pivotal site for the development and commercialisation of smart machinery, sustainable materials, and digital technologies.

The SMMC will provide a range of state-of-the-art facilities, including laboratory space, workshops and design studios as well as a lecture theatre and office space. The centre will be a hub for innovation, collaboration, and technological advancement.

The development of the SMMC is expected to be a catalyst for Atom Valley’s wider ambitions, attracting UK and international firms looking to establish new manufacturing plants, champion SMEs seeking modern premises for expansion, support start-ups and spinouts moving from research labs to full-scale production, and assist businesses and individuals aiming to benefit from world-class R&D and skills training facilities.

Atom Valley will leverage existing strengths in advanced manufacturing, materials, and machinery, integrating with Greater Manchester’s established research and innovation ecosystem. Strategically located at J21 of the M62, Rochdale benefits from excellent transport links, being just 20 minutes from central Manchester and 30 minutes from Manchester Airport.

Atom Valley will be a model for sustainable, inclusive economic development, drawing inspiration from successful regeneration projects such as London Docklands and Salford Quays. By fostering long-term regeneration, Atom Valley will enhance national prosperity, supporting the wider Greater Manchester area.

Rochdale’s role in Atom Valley, highlighted by the development of the Sustainable Materials and Manufacturing Centre, underscores the borough’s commitment to innovation, sustainability, and economic growth.

As these plans come to fruition, Rochdale will maintain its status as a beacon of industrial advancement, offering new opportunities for businesses and individuals while contributing significantly to the prosperity of Greater Manchester and beyond.

• Mark Robinson is director of economy at Rochdale Council