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
Located at Kingsway Business Park near the M62, the Sustainable Materials and Manufacturing Centre (SMMC) is expected to become a catalyst for growth in advanced manufacturing, machinery, materials, and scientific research unlocking thousands of jobs in Rochdale and Bury.
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.
Andy Burnham said “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 be made up of 2,724 sq m of space including 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.
Speaking previously, Cllr 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.”
