In a landmark moment for Northern economic development, Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham has officially broken ground on the first major development within the ambitious Atom Valley scheme, a project set to redefine the region's industrial landscape.
A New Era for Rochdale and Beyond
The ground-breaking ceremony for the Sustainable Materials and Manufacturing Centre (SMMC) took place at Kingsway Business Park in Rochdale on Wednesday, 13th November 2025. This research hub, strategically located near the M62, is designed to be a catalyst for growth in advanced manufacturing, machinery, materials, and scientific research.
Mayor Burnham addressed the crowd, declaring the event a "major milestone on our journey to be a world-leading city-region in every respect." He emphasised the symbolic importance of the project for Rochdale, stating, "This is a huge statement about how Rochdale has changed."
Addressing Infrastructure for 'Good Growth'
While celebrating the start of a 'decade of growth', Mr Burnham was candid about the challenges that remain, particularly regarding transport. He pointed to the existing tram stop at the site, expressing a hope that future workers would primarily use public transport.
However, he issued a stark warning about road congestion, stating, "You can't be here and ignore the congestion on the M60 and M62... it's a drag on productivity." He called on the government to invest in major infrastructure upgrades for both road and rail to support the Atom Valley ambition, arguing that such investment is crucial to maintain Greater Manchester's status as the UK's fastest-growing city-region.
Reviving Skilled Manufacturing in the North West
The SMMC will provide 30,000 sq ft of state-of-the-art facilities, including:
- New laboratory space and workshops
- Design studios and a lecture theatre
- Flexible workspace for start-ups and established businesses
Councillor Neil Emmott, Leader of Rochdale Borough Council, highlighted the project's significance in reviving skilled work in an area historically impacted by industrial decline. "This is a genuine attempt to bring good manufacturing jobs to Rochdale," he said, reflecting on the region's past prosperity built on textiles and engineering.
Paul Waugh, MP for Rochdale, welcomed the £15 million in government funding and framed Atom Valley as a challenger to the "Oxford-Cambridge-London tech triangle," offering better value and more space. He stated the project is fundamentally about "giving Rochdale youngsters real opportunities in apprenticeships and skilled jobs."
Spanning parts of Rochdale, Oldham, and Bury, Atom Valley is a cornerstone of the North East Growth Corridor and represents a concerted effort to spread the benefits of economic prosperity across all of Greater Manchester's boroughs.
