What is Northern Gateway?
In the Places for Everyone joint development plan Northern Gateway is made up of two allocated development sites, one an employment-led destination (known as allocation JPA 1.1 Heywood/Pilsworth), and the other intended to be residential-led (known as allocation JPA 1.2 Simister/Bowlee).
It’s all part of the Atom Valley vision, a cluster of sites across Bury, Rochdale and Oldham set to deliver world-class, cross-sector employment destinations, boosting the economy and creating new skilled jobs in the northern boroughs of the city region.
Bury and Rochdale Councils recently consulted on a joint Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) for Northern Gateway JPA 1.1 to provide more detailed policy on what should be developed.
The NGDV are now bringing forward a planning application for an early phase of Northern Gateway covering around half of the proposed floorspace in the employment-led allocation.
The Plans
The site is located at a strategically important intersection around the M60, M62 and M66 motorways, straddling the Bury and Rochdale border. It lies adjacent to the approved South Heywood development which is currently being built.
We’re proposing:
- Around 600,000 sq. m of employment space in advanced manufacturing, industrial and logistics – from start-ups to international businesses
- Around 5,000 sq. m of supporting uses potentially including retail, cafés/restaurants, a hotel, office space, conference and training facilities and community uses
- Landscaping and green, open space for recreation and to improve local biodiversity
- Active travel routes linking existing and new homes with jobs
- Sustainability at the heart of the design, contributing to Greater Manchester’s commitment to be net zero carbon by 2038
We are preparing an outline planning application which will consider key principles of the development. If approved, further applications (known as Reserved Matters applications) will follow which will provide details on layout, access, scale, appearance and landscaping.
£570 million GVA boost to Greater Manchester’s economy each year
Around 9,900 high-quality jobs created for residents of Greater Manchester
Annual business rates of around £20 million supporting council services
Attracting national and international businesses
Hub for innovation and sustainability
Long term legacy of skills
The Benefits
The Northern Gateway site will deliver transformational change for people living in Bury, Rochdale and beyond.
As one of the UK’s most important employment destinations it is set to attract national and international businesses and drive investment in the local area. Creating a hub for innovation, the plans will deliver a long-term legacy, driving skills and creating high-quality jobs for generations to come.
What kind of jobs could be delivered?
There are a range of high-quality jobs that could be provided at the site including skilled trades (like electrical, mechanical and welding), research & development (R&D) and AI & robotics. The logistics sector also provides a broad range of jobs due to advances in automation and technical innovations, so alongside traditional roles such as drivers, warehouse team leaders, site managers and supervisors the sector employs increasing numbers of project managers, IT operatives, sales teams and engineers.
Have Your Say
The public consultation on the proposals closed on 17th February 2025. The team are considering and reviewing the feedback submitted in advance of a planning application to Bury and Rochdale Councils.
Get In Touch
General Enquiries
Write:
Freepost HAVE YOUR SAY (no further address or stamp needed)
Email:
info@northerngatewayconsultation.co.uk
Call:
Freephone 0800 689 1095 (9am-5.30pm Mon-Fri)
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Register Your Interest
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