Building work has started on the first major development in Greater Manchester’s Atom Valley scheme.
The new Sustainable Materials and Manufacturing Centre (SMMC) will aim to help start-ups and emerging high-tech manufacturing companies to scale up their operations.
Construction of the site, next to the Kingsway Business Park in Rochdale, is set to be completed by the summer of 2026.
Wider Atom Valley plans are earmarked for land close to the M62 through Oldham, Rochdale and Bury. Those backing the scheme believe it has the potential to create 20,000 jobs.
Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham said: “Today we are breaking ground on the most ambitious development in Atom Valley so far, and taking a big step forward on our journey to driving the next decade of good growth in Greater Manchester.
“With the right investment, this centre will become a major springboard to growth for companies innovating right here in Greater Manchester, and a new jewel in the crown of UK plc.”
Burnham said he hoped the scheme would “help unleash the untapped potential of the world-leading research taking place across our city region, bridging that crucial gap from invention to bringing those new innovations to the market”.
He added: “It will create a new high-tech corridor from the centre out to the north of Greater Manchester, creating jobs and new opportunities for start-ups to scale up their ambitions.
“This is integrated, well-connected development in action – and a clear sign of our mission to spread the benefits of growth right across our city region.”
Supporters of the development hope the SMMC can provide a link between Atom Valley and the universities in Manchester’s Oxford Road Corridor and attract outside investment.
The Greater Manchester Combined Authority, Rochdale Development Agency, and the University of Manchester have signed an agreement to explore options for Atom Valley’s next phase of development.
Neil Emmott, leader of Rochdale Council, said: “The partnership created between local government, academia, and regional leadership to develop the SMMC is a shining example of what can be achieved when we work co-operatively and think ambitiously to deliver for our residents and businesses.”
Mike Murray, chief innovation officer at The Vita Group and chair of the Graphene, Advanced Materials and Manufacturing Alliance (Gamma), said: “The centre is an important step towards creating a world-class advanced materials and manufacturing hub at Atom Valley.
“Greater Manchester is already home to innovative businesses and cutting-edge research, but the SMMC will help us go even further by supporting SMEs, start-ups and spin-outs, helping us attract investment, and creating more opportunities for local communities.”
Atom Valley is one of Greater Manchester’s Mayoral Development Zones where devolved powers can be used to drive investment.
Since it was launched in 2022, Atom Valley has connected the Kingsway, Stakehill, and the Northern Gateway areas with new transport infrastructure.