Leading Economist & Rochdalian announced as Chair of Atom Valley Mayoral Development Zone

Posted by on 3 Oct 2022

Councillor Neil Emmott, Leader of Rochdale Borough Council has expressed his delight that Rochdalian and leading economist Paul Ormerod, will Chair the board for Greater Manchester’s new Mayoral Development Zone; Atom Valley.

Councillor Emmott said: “The significance of the MDZ for the borough of Rochdale, cannot be understated. In addition to providing an innovative, inclusive economy with world-class infrastructure, high-quality jobs and investment opportunities; it is paving the way for Greater Manchester to enjoy its next industrial revolution. It will support greater collaboration between Greater Manchester Combined Authority, Rochdale, Bury and Oldham councils, national agencies and the private sector. To have Paul Ormerod, a native Rochdalian,  economist, successful entrepreneur and author at the helm, assures me that we are in safe hands.”

“Atom Valley is focused on three sites: Northern Gateway (which straddles Bury, Heywood and Middleton near the M66 and M62)”; (Kingsway Business Park in Rochdale; and Stakehill in Rochdale and Oldham.) The MDZ will offer 1.6 million sq m of new employment space, generate 20,000 new jobs and 7,000 homes.

Councillor John Blundell portfolio holder for economy and regeneration said: “Atom Valley is intended to operate not just on the scale of the city-region, but on both a national and international scale; provides a once in a lifetime opportunity to position North Manchester as the leading location for advanced machinery, manufacturing and materials. Atom Valley’s ultimate aim is to create high quality jobs, great homes and a highly prosperous region.”

“I personally am very optimistic about what the future holds for North Manchester and I am delighted to be working with the GMCA and my counter parts from Bury and Oldham to make this happen, Atom Valley offers the biggest opportunity for growth for the GM region.”

Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester said: “The appointment of a Chair for Atom Valley is an important step forward in progressing the Mayoral Development Zone, which will have a transformative impact on the north east of Greater Manchester.

“Atom Valley will provide world-class facilities for research and innovation, driving jobs and growth in advanced manufacturing and green technologies, and will be supported by thousands of new homes and transport links integrated into our Bee Network.”

The MDZ board, which will coordinate the project, is comprised of representatives from local and national authorities, central government, and the private sector.

For further details on Atom Valley Manchester, please see here: https://www.atom-valley.co.uk/