An independent report has found Rochdale Development Agency generates £14.30 for every £1 spent, significantly exceeding national value for money benchmarks.
The assessment, carried out by economic consultancy Mickledore and based on 2024 to 2025 performance, shows the agency’s benefit cost ratio stands at 14.3. This is well above the benchmark of 2, with scores above 4 classed as very high value for money under government guidance.
The report found that 765 jobs were created, supported or safeguarded through the agency’s work, while 699 businesses across the borough received support.
It also recorded £30.6 million in gross value added generated in a single year, with this expected to reach around £131 million over five years. An additional £1.24 million in income was generated for Rochdale Borough Council through rental income, business rates and council tax.
The findings indicate the highest level of job creation among comparable economic development organisations reviewed as part of the study.
The report states that performance has improved compared to five years ago despite wider economic pressures, with outcomes comparing strongly to areas facing lower levels of deprivation.
It also highlights the agency’s role in major regeneration and development projects, including Atom Valley and the Northern Gateway, alongside town centre regeneration, skills programmes and cultural initiatives. These are said to contribute to longer term investment and confidence in the borough.
Rachel Laver, managing director of Rochdale Development Agency, said “This independent report highlights the strength of the platform the Rochdale Development Agency has built and the real impact of well designed, locally led economic development. Achieving a £14.30 return for every £1 invested reflects the quality of the team, the depth of our partnerships and a track record of long term commitment to Rochdale.”
She said the borough’s year as Greater Manchester Town of Culture supported 244 events, attracted more than 150,000 visitors and contributed around £5 million to the local economy.
Ms Laver added that future developments, including the Sustainable Materials and Manufacturing Centre, would support higher value jobs and strengthen the local economy, alongside regeneration plans linked to Middleton and the Northern Gateway.
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