Stakehill businesses back BID renewal to unlock £900,000 investment

Tuesday, 21 July 2026 07:43

By David Murphy

Businesses at Stakehill Industrial Estate have voted overwhelmingly to renew the area's Business Improvement District for a second five year term.

The renewal will bring a further £900,000 of investment to the estate, taking total investment since the BID was established to £1.7 million by 2031.

The Business Improvement District secured an 86 per cent vote in favour during a ballot held in November 2025.

The new term officially began on 1 July and will see the BID Board oversee projects aimed at supporting businesses and improving the industrial estate.

Stakehill is part of the wider Atom Valley programme, which aims to create around 20,000 jobs and deliver significant employment and business growth across Rochdale, Bury and Oldham.

The BID said its priorities over the next five years include improving estate security through enhanced CCTV, environmental improvements, road and infrastructure maintenance, sustainability projects, skills and workforce development, and stronger engagement with local and regional decision makers.

Anthony Smith, chair of the Stakehill BID Board, said, "This renewal is a massive vote of confidence from our business community. Over our first term, we proved what can be achieved through collective investment whether that's tightening security, improving the estate environment, or giving our businesses a powerful voice with decision makers. As we enter this next phase, we are committed to ensuring Stakehill remains a competitive, world class location where businesses can thrive."

The BID Board has also appointed environmental regeneration charity Groundwork as its new managing agent. The organisation currently manages 12 Business Improvement Districts across the UK.

Greville Kelly, director for business at Groundwork, said, "We look forward to working closely with businesses and partners across Rochdale to ensure that Stakehill BID's second term delivers measurable value and positive outcomes for everyone based here.

"Our focus will remain on delivering tangible benefits for businesses while strengthening Stakehill's role as a premier employment location and a key investment opportunity at the heart of Atom Valley, one of the UK's most significant growth and innovation zones."

The renewed Business Improvement District will continue until 2031, bringing together businesses, local authorities and strategic partners to support investment and improve the trading environment.