New managing director appointed to lead Northern Gateway Regeneration within Atom Valley

Posted by on 21 Oct 2026

The Atom Valley Northern Gateway Mayoral Development Corporation (MDC) has appointed Chris Cheap as managing director.

This is a landmark appointment for Northern Gateway, a nationally significant project and one of Greater Manchester’s most ambitious regeneration programmes.

Northern Gateway is a key part of the wider Atom Valley Mayoral Development Zone that stretches across Bury, Oldham, and Rochdale and plays a central role in supporting growth across advanced manufacturing, innovation, housing and infrastructure.

That wider ambition is already taking shape across Atom Valley, including the recent completion of the base build of the 30,000 sq ft Sustainable Materials & Manufacturing Centre (SMMC) within the 25-acre Atom Valley Innovation District (AVID) at Kingsway Park in Rochdale.

Northern Gateway stands to be a significant driver of the reindustrialisation of Britain and a key contributor to the government’s Northern Growth Strategy.

One of the key Northern Gateway projects will improve the highway connection between the site and M66 and M60 motorways needed to unlock the next phases of development and complement ongoing works to increase the capacity of the nearby Simister Island.

Chris joins the MDC after almost 23 years at real estate advisor Avison Young where he held a number of leadership roles both regionally in the North West and nationally. Most recently Chris led the UK transactional team overseeing capital markets, leasing and development across industrial, office and retail sectors.

Chris Cheap said:
“The potential of Northern Gateway is unquestionable, and I am excited to join the team at a really important moment in realising it. I have been impressed how all of the key stakeholders are focussed on delivering meaningful commercial outputs which will leave a long-lasting legacy for Greater Manchester communities whilst also having a national and international impact”
“Meeting the ambition that we collectively have for Northern Gateway will take careful navigation of the very real complexities of delivering development and cohesive collaboration across both the public and private sector. The MDC will play a pivotal role in this and I am pleased to bring my extensive real estate experience and leadership to the team.”

Stephen Dance OBE, Chair of the Atom Valley Northern Gateway MDC, said:
“I am delighted Chris has agreed to join the MDC and look forward to working with him to steer the delivery of Northern Gateway. His expertise will be central to guiding the MDC as it works with partners to secure the necessary public and private investment to unlock new homes, jobs and longterm economic growth.”

Bury Council leader Cllr Eamonn O’Brien said:
“We are approaching a critical stage at Northern Gateway and it’s important that people across Bury and Rochdale see plans become reality. The MDC is taking a leading role in this and I am excited for the future of this important and ambitious programme.”

Rochdale Council leader Cllr Neil Emmott added:
“Northern Gateway is the lynchpin of Atom Valley and it’s crucial the right expertise and resources are in place to deliver our shared vision. Chris’s leadership in the MDC will help to ensure this transformational project positively impacts residents, businesses and the local economy.”

Mayor of Greater Manchester Bev Craig said:
“I’m determined to create good growth, with jobs and opportunity for every bit of Greater Manchester. Our Mayoral Development Corporations are turning ambition into action. They get development moving much faster – by aligning land, infrastructure, investment and decision-making so complex projects can be delivered at pace and at scale.
“Northern Gateway is no different. Alongside housing and infrastructure, its focus on advanced manufacturing and innovation means it’s set to be significant not just for Greater Manchester, but for the country too. This is what good growth looks like in practice, bold development that puts our places first and delivers quickly, so our residents can benefit sooner.”

Northern Gateway, as part of Atom Valley, is a critical contributor to the Good Growth programme in Greater Manchester and unlocking national economic growth. Northern Gateway has seen over £100m of public funding spent and committed to date, including over £50m of GM Good Growth Fund support allocated in March 2026 by Greater Manchester Combined Authority to support transport improvements.