Rochdale Heralds "New Decade of Growth" with Groundbreaking of Sustainable Materials and Manufacturing Centre

Rochdale, Greater Manchester – A significant milestone for the region's economic future was marked this morning with the official groundbreaking of the new Sustainable Materials and Manufacturing Centre at Kingsway Business Park, Rochdale. Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, hailed the project as the commencement of a, "new decade of growth", for the area, anticipating the creation of thousands of jobs.

The state-of-the-art facility, strategically positioned near the M62 motorway, is poised to become a vital hub for innovation across advanced manufacturing, machinery, materials, and scientific research. It is a cornerstone of the wider ambition to establish Atom Valley as a globally recognised centre of excellence in advanced materials and manufacturing.

Designed as an integral part of a comprehensive innovation ecosystem, the Sustainable Materials and Manufacturing Centre will occupy nearly three thousand square metres of advanced operational and collaborative space. Plans for the facility include dedicated laboratory areas, workshops equipped for hands-on development, precision metrology space for quality control and measurement, and sophisticated design and analysis studios.

Beyond its technical capabilities, the centre is also set to foster a vibrant community of innovation. A lecture theatre will support knowledge sharing and training, while meeting rooms and flexible workspace are designated for burgeoning start-ups. Dedicated office spaces will be available for established manufacturers, and a café will provide a communal area for networking and collaboration.

The development of the centre follows the completion of the development agreement in October, paving the way for Wilson Bowden Developments Limited to commence construction. The project is slated for completion by the summer of 2026, at which point it is expected to begin unlocking significant employment opportunities within Rochdale and its surrounding communities.

The investment in advanced manufacturing and material science research is seen as crucial for the region's long-term competitiveness and its transition to a more sustainable and technologically advanced economy. The establishment of this new centre is expected to attract further investment and talent to Rochdale and surrounding areas, solidifying our reputation on the international stage.