Rochdale council’s cabinet will tonight consider the formation of a Mayoral Development Corporation (MDC) for Middleton town centre and its surrounding areas.
An MDC can bring additional support, funding and powers to help drive further regeneration of an area. If the cabinet votes for the MDC, it will go to the Greater Manchester Combined Authority for a decision, before going out to a public consultation and returning to a future cabinet to be considered and voted on again.
Councillor Neil Emmott, leader of Rochdale Borough Council, said:
“I’m delighted that we’re considering proposals to create a Mayoral Development Corporation (MDC) in Middleton, which will act as a catalyst for the regeneration of the town centre and its surrounding area. Middleton has huge potential for growth, given its proximity and connections to Manchester City Centre and surrounding areas which we want to improve. It is vital that we capitalise on these opportunities for growth, as we continue to develop the Northern Gateway as part of the Atom Valley, a once in a generation opportunity to create thousands of highly skilled jobs and education opportunities which Middleton residents will be in prime position to take advantage of.
“An MDC will bring additional momentum to our ambitious regeneration plans for this area, which involve the creation of new homes on brownfield sites, better public spaces and improved transport infrastructure links, including the planned extension of the Metrolink to Middleton, which is a major aspiration for us and the Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham. It will also help us better preserve and enhance Middleton’s rich cultural and heritage offer for residents and visitors, which is a huge selling point for this area.”
