On Air Now

Monday Morning Mix

10:00am - Noon

Now Playing

Cyndi Lauper

True Colors

Works starts on research and materials hub

Entrance View

Work is set to begin on a facility that will unlock thousands of jobs in Rochdale.

The Sustainable Materials and Manufacturing Centre (SMMC), located at Kingsway Business Park near the M62, is set 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 17 million sq ft employment space, with the potential to offer 20,000 ‘highly skilled’ roles in the technology and manufacturing sectors.

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

DWF, the global provider of integrated legal and business services, has advised Rochdale Borough Council and the Rochdale Development Agency (RDA) on the acquisition and development

Lee Pickett, partner and joint head of regeneration at DWF, said: “We are delighted to have supported Rochdale Borough Council and the Rochdale Development Agency on this landmark project.

“The SMMC will help position Atom Valley at the forefront of sustainable materials and advanced manufacturing, creating a long-term legacy for the borough and beyond.”

Daniel Meredith, portfolio holder for regeneration and housing at Rochdale council, added: “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.”

Donate to Roch Valley Radio

 

Do you have a story for us? Want to tell us about something happening in our Borough?

Let us know by emailing newsdesk@rochvalleyradio.com

All contact will be treated in confidence.

More from Local News

Comments

Add a comment

Log in to the club or enter your details below.

Donate to Roch Valley Radio

 

Recently Played

Newsletter

Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.
Your subscription has been successful.

Subscribe to our newsletter and stay updated.

   

Coming up next On Air

  • Monday Morning Mix

    10:00am - Noon

    Join Alan Duckworth with a mix of all genres of music and general chat around book music, scooters and other social interests with a relaxing Smooth 15 minutes after the 11 o’clock news.

  • Lunchtime with Joe

    Noon - 2:00pm

    bringing you a wide mix of music and chat during your lunch break.

  • Monday Gospel

    2:00pm - 3:00pm

    with Mary Walsh bring you a wide-ranging gospel music from all over the world.

  • Monday Drivetime

    3:00pm - 6:00pm

    with Alexandra and James getting you home on your favourite Drivetime station.

  • Retro City

    6:00pm - 8:00pm

    Steven Cummiskey spends some time in Retro City, where we take you back to the good old days. Playing a variety of music, with some gems and obscurities. We also focus on what happens on this day, with number ones, birthday and TV shows airing.

  • Music Mix

    8:00pm - 10:00pm

    Roch Valley Radio is with you 24/7 with our great mix of music!