Start of Atom Valley project marks ‘big day’ for Greater Manchester

Wednesday, 12 November 2025 09:12

By George Lythgoe

The groundbreaking of a new manufacturing and research facility signals the start of a ‘new decade of growth’ in Greater Manchester, says mayor Andy Burnham.

This morning, Mr Burnham is set to kickstart the Sustainable Materials and Manufacturing Centre (SMMC) project, which will unlock thousands of jobs in Rochdale and Bury.

Located at Kingsway Business Park near the M62, the research hub is expected to become a catalyst for growth in advanced manufacturing, machinery, materials, and scientific research.

Designed as part of a wider innovation ecosystem, the centre will play a key role in establishing Atom Valley as a world-class hub for advanced materials and manufacturing.

Atom Valley is one of six growth locations in Greater Manchester and includes significant parts of Bury, Oldham and Rochdale. It is a vast area of 17m sq ft employment space, with the potential to offer 20,000 ‘highly skilled’ roles in the technology and manufacturing sectors.

In a post on social media platform X, Mr Burnham wrote: “Today is a big day for GM.

“We break ground on a new research centre at Atom Valley – our emerging world-class cluster in advanced materials and manufacturing.

“It signals the start of a second more ambitious decade of growth in GM, lifting all people and all places.”

The SMMC will boast 2,724 sq m of space and will have laboratory space; workshops; metrology space; and design and analysis studios.

A lecture theatre; meeting rooms; flexible workspace for start-ups; office space for manufacturers; and a café are also included in the plans.

Following completion of the development agreement in October, developer Wilson Bowden Developments Limited will now begin delivery of the building, with completion expected by summer 2026.

Speaking previously, Coin Daniel Meredith, portfolio holder for regeneration and housing at Rochdale council, said:

“The SMMC represents a major step forward for Atom Valley and Greater Manchester’s industrial strategy.

“This development will not only attract leading innovators and manufacturers, but also generate high-value jobs and growth across the region.”