Matt Gilray, Programme Manager

Posted on 8 Sep 2025

With nearly 30 years’ experience in regeneration and economic development, Matt has worked across Salford, Oldham, and now Rochdale, where he’s been driving forward ambitious projects for the past five years.
                                               

Tell me a bit about yourself.

I’m in my late 40s, married with three kids and a dog. I’ve lived in the same house for over 20 years, just about a mile and a half from where I grew up. I was born in Salford, and when I was about three or four, my parents moved us to Whitefield. Now, I live in Prestwich.

I started my career as a rent collector in Salford on a three-month contract, and that led to a long journey in local government. I moved through different roles, mostly in housing and regeneration, and eventually found my way into project management. That journey has taken me from Salford to Oldham and now to Rochdale, where I’ve been working for the last five years. Looking back, nearly 30 years in this field has flown by, it feels like it’s all happened in the space of five.

What is your role with the RDA?

I’m a Programme Manager at the Rochdale Development Agency (RDA). I took on this role in January 2024, Before this, I was a Senior Project Officer, working specifically on regeneration around the rail corridor, new builds, public realm improvements, and transport infrastructure with a focus on economic development, business growth, and regeneration.
 
Now, my work is a bit broader and involves managing a range of different projects, including Centre of Expertise in Advanced Machinery and Sustainability (CEAMS), and specifically the development of the Sustainable Materials and Manufacturing Centre (SMMC) at Kingsway Business Park. A big part of my role is making sure our work ties into the wider vision for Atom Valley, which is crucial for the economic future of Rochdale and Greater Manchester.

Why did you choose to work with the RDA?

Before joining the RDA, I spent 15 years in Oldham, working on various regeneration projects, I was ready for a change and there was a lot happening in Rochdale.

What really attracted me to the RDA was that projects here actually got delivered. Projects like Rochdale Riverside and the new council offices were real, tangible developments. There was a commitment to getting things done, not just planning them.

The RDA is also quite unique in the UK. While it’s council-owned and funded, it operates separately from local government, which allows it to focus purely on delivery and economic growth. Over the past five years, I’ve really seen the benefit of that model, it means we don’t get caught up in the day-to-day operations of a council and we can push ahead with the work that needs to be done.

What projects do you work on?

The projects I work on include I projects that include CEAMS (Centre of Expertise in Advanced Materials and Sustainability) and SMMC (Sustainable Materials & Manufacturing Centre). CEAMS is a government-backed initiative that helps manufacturers become more innovative, especially in response to sustainability and environmental regulations. We connect businesses with scientists and research institutions to help them future-proof their materials and processes.

SMMC is a big focus. It’s all about helping businesses transition to more sustainable and advanced manufacturing processes. These projects are crucial because they help companies adapt to future challenges, whether that’s the banning of certain chemicals or the demand for greener manufacturing methods.

Beyond that, my work ties into Atom Valley, which is a long-term vision for industrial and economic growth in North Manchester. Atom Valley isn’t just about building industrial estates, it’s about creating the right conditions for businesses to grow, innovate, and expand. That means putting in the infrastructure now and working with businesses to make sure they have a reason to move into these new spaces. It’s a mix of physical development and business support, making sure the whole ecosystem is in place for future growth.

What do you really enjoy about your profession?

I love seeing a project go from an initial idea to something real, something that makes a difference to businesses, communities, and the local economy. Overcoming challenges is a big part of the job, and I enjoy figuring out solutions when things don’t go to plan.

Over the years, what I enjoy has changed. Earlier in my career, I loved being out on site, getting my boots muddy, talking to contractors, and seeing developments come out of the ground. Back then, a two-year build felt like a long time. Now, I work on projects that stretch over 15, 20, even 30 years, like Atom Valley. That longer-term vision is something I’ve learned to appreciate.

I also enjoy the constant learning. Even after nearly 30 years in this field, I’m still finding new ways to approach problems, new ways to collaborate, and new challenges to tackle. That keeps things interesting.

What makes you get up in the morning?

Knowing that what I’m doing makes a real impact, not just for businesses today, but for future generations, including my own kids.

There’s a sense of pride in seeing things get built, knowing that the work we’re doing now will benefit the borough and the wider region for years to come. It’s also the challenge that keeps me going. Every day is different, and there’s always a new problem to solve or a new opportunity to explore.

Tell me something people don’t know about you.

When I was 17 or 18, I had trials for the England rugby team. I played rugby league, but I got invited to trials for the union side. I didn’t make the final cut, but it was still a great experience.

Also, I went to college with Guy Garvey from Elbow. I doubt he remembers me, but it’s a fun bit of trivia!