Public views sought as 'Atom Valley' plans advance

The public has been asked for its views on the proposed "Atom Valley" scheme, which is set to create more than 20,000 jobs in Greater Manchester.

When complete, it will be the area's biggest employment development and is expected to boost the local economy by £570m, according to the Northern Gateway Development Vehicle (NGDV), who are behind the plan.

The project has been nicknamed "Atom Valley" due to its focus on boosting scientific research and development.

The hub, which will host innovation and commercial firms, will be near the M60, M62 and M66 motorways on the Bury and Rochdale border.

Atom Valley will incorporate three sites – Northern Gateway, Kingsway and Stakehill - which planners hope will "supercharge the economy and increase productivity".

The first phase could lead to the creation of about 10,000 high-quality jobs and local councils' revenues could be boosted by £20m in business rates.

A NGDV representative described the site, which includes 600,000 sq m (more than 6,485,000 sq ft) of employment space, as "one of the largest, most significant employment destinations in the UK" with "a long-term legacy of skills".

"By creating a hub for innovation it's set to attract national and international businesses and supercharge the Greater Manchester economy.

"Alongside advanced manufacturing jobs, from skilled trades to research and development, AI and robotics, the site could offer high-quality logistics jobs like project managers, IT operatives, sales teams and engineers."

NGDV, which is a partnership between developers Russell LDP and Harworth Group, is set to bring forward a planning application for an early phase of the employment site which covers around half of the overall proposed floorspace.

The consultation runs until 17 February with drop-in events held at The Old Police Station Business Centre in Heywood on 29 January and at Pike Fold Golf Club in Bury on 4 February.

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