GM goes for new decade of growth as work begins on flagship innovation hub in Atom Valley

Posted by on 13 Nov 2025

SPADES are now in the ground to build the first major development in Atom Valley – a unique innovation cluster with the potential to create up to 20,000 new jobs in Greater Manchester.

The new SMMC is set to become a thriving hub of innovation where start-ups and emerging companies can pioneer new technologies and scale up their ambitions, creating jobs and driving growth across the city region.

Greater Manchester is working to realise our vision for the centre to become a springboard for new and emerging companies and researchers, giving them the support and the opportunities to trial and commercialise their innovations right here in the North of England. When fully kitted out, it could add up to £107 million to the local economy.

With the right support, the Sustainable Materials and Manufacturing Centre will also be a vital link between Atom Valley and the Oxford Road Corridor – the innovation district home to universities and research institutions in Manchester – forging a pathway for new companies and projects to expand from the city centre out into the North of the city region.

Located in Kingsway Business Park in Rochdale, it will offer 30,000 sq ft of new laboratory space, workshops and design studios, as well as a lecture theatre, meeting rooms, office space, and flexible workspace for start-ups.

Construction is expected to be completed by summer 2026, and work is under way to secure funding and agree next steps for the site to be occupied.

Over the past 10 years, Greater Manchester has been the fastest growing part of the UK economy, driven by a high-performing urban centre – and now we have a plan to deliver the next 10 years of good growth across the city region, spreading the benefits throughout our towns and cities.

At a ground-breaking ceremony today (Wednesday 12 November), Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham hailed the start of work as a major milestone in the journey to making Atom Valley a dynamic mega-cluster of research and innovation, creating new jobs across Bury, Oldham, and Rochdale.

Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham said: “Today we are breaking ground on the most ambitious development in Atom Valley so far, and taking a big step forward on our journey to driving the next decade of good growth in Greater Manchester.

“With the right investment, this centre will become a major springboard to growth for companies innovating right here in Greater Manchester, and a new jewel in the crown of UK plc.

“This is integrated, well-connected development in action – and a clear sign of our mission to spread the benefits of growth right across our city region.”

Greater Manchester is home to world-leading universities and research institutions and is the birthplace of inventions like the ultra-light, ultra-strong material graphene, and the modern computer. These institutions are vital economic assets, drawing in global talent and employing thousands of people.

They are also host to a vibrant start-up scene – one that needs room to grow and flourish in the North West, attracting and retaining businesses at the cutting edge of hi-tech research and development.

Earlier this year a report from the University of Cambridge found that the UK struggles to translate its research and development strengths into commercial success. The new Sustainable Materials and Manufacturing Centre will help to rebalance the scales for innovative businesses right here in Greater Manchester.

Cllr Neil Emmott, Leader of Rochdale Council, said: “The partnership created between local government, academia, and regional leadership to develop the SMMC is a shining example of what can be achieved when we work co-operatively and think ambitiously to deliver for our residents and businesses.”

Mike Murray, Chief Innovation Officer at The Vita Group and Chair of the Graphene, Advanced Materials and Manufacturing Alliance (GAMMA), said: “The SMMC is an important step towards creating a world-class advanced materials and manufacturing hub at Atom Valley.

“I’m excited to see it take shape and to continue our work supporting growth and innovation in the advanced materials and manufacturing sector.”

Companies and projects that grow in Atom Valley will then have the chance to expand into the wider North East Growth Corridor – one of Greater Manchester’s priority Growth Locations.

These are nationally significant, shovel-ready sites with land earmarked for delivery, and each building on our sector strengths to spread the benefits of growth around our 10 boroughs.

These Growth Locations will be boosted by Greater Manchester’s Integrated Pipeline for investment, delivering game-changing innovation districts, manufacturing sites and hubs for entrepreneurship, creating tens of thousands of new jobs and millions of square feet in research and development assets and industrial and commercial space. By sequencing developments, the Integrated Pipeline will ensure infrastructure and public services are lined up to create thriving, safe, well-connected communities.

Atom Valley is one of Greater Manchester’s pioneering Mayoral Development Zones (MDZs) - areas where we’re using our devolved powers to help join up local stakeholders and decision-making and drive investment.

Since it was launched in 2022, the Atom Valley MDZ has connected Kingsway, Stakehill, and the Northern Gateway areas with new transport infrastructure, and laid the groundwork for a new Mayoral Development Corporation for Northern Gateway in early 2026.

The Sustainable Materials and Manufacturing Centre has been supported with funding from Greater Manchester’s Industrial Strategy Zone, as well as Towns Fund allocations from Rochdale Development Agency.

Earlier this year Greater Manchester Combined Authority, Rochdale Development Agency, and the University of Manchester signed an agreement to explore options for the future of the centre.