Five towns in Greater Manchester could change forever – full details of plans in each area

Five towns in Greater Manchester could change forever under massive new plans.

Oldham, Bolton, Middleton, and Ashton and Stalybridge in Tameside are all in line for major investment and upgrades through the creation of mayoral development corporations.

This is essentially a partnership between local leaders and the Greater Manchester mayor to raise the profile of the northern towns and get cash flowing into the areas.

The Greater Manchester Combined Authority recently completed public consultations on the move, and is currently combing through the feedback before taking the next steps.

It could see places such as Bolton and Oldham follow the success of Stockport where a £2bn transformation is taking place.

Stockport Mayoral Development Corporation was set up by former Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham in 2019. Its success saw the boundary of regeneration in Stockport expanded in February with approval from Parliament.

The Local Democracy Reporting Service has taken a look at what could come next for the five Greater Manchester towns which are on the cusp of major change.

Ashton and Stalybridge

The proposed Ashton and Stalybridge Mayoral Development Corporation (MDC) aims to create ‘a well-connected, transport‑focused community’ in the areas, according to the GMCA consultation.

A key part of change is to create the first fully integrated Bee Network Hub, bringing together bus, tram, and train services to improve connectivity as well as boosting the economy and wider regeneration.

Setting up an MDC is set to ‘attract public and private investment’ into the Tameside towns, with plans to put the cash to use for 3,000 new homes including affordable housing, improved local facilities, and creating 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 to set up a Bolton Town Centre MDC are based around 13 development sites with plans to ‘substantially boost’ the town’s economy and improve quality of life for Bolton residents.

There could be up to 2,000 new homes built next to 31,000 sqm for businesses, 300 hotel beds, serviced apartments, as well as new food and drinks venues 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 new development for around 1,500 new homes (including affordable homes), as well as boosting the town’s commercial and leisure facilities, and improving public spaces.

This would bring ‘visible improvements’ to Middleton, and help local people benefit from new jobs and better local services.

Rochdale council declined to comment.

Oldham

A mayoral development corporation for Oldham is focused around a proposed Health, Sport Science and Innovation Campus.

This sits in a £70m SportsTown masterplan, aimed at improving health, as well as improving 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.”