Plans for Greater Manchester's largest proposed employment development, the Northern Gateway, which pledges to generate over 20,000 high-quality jobs and bring a £1 billion economic boost, are set to be approved by Bury and Rochdale councils.

Councillors are being asked to adopt a Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) for the transformative Northern Gateway project. Spanning 1.2 million square metres of employment space, the development straddles the Bury and Rochdale border, located close to junction 19 of the M62 motorway.

The SPD will establish planning principles for the site, guiding future development and planning applications. It also lays the groundwork for securing external funding, helping to bring the ambitious project to fruition. The Northern Gateway Development Framework SPD will detail key aspects of the project, including proposed infrastructure, project phasing, timelines, design principles, and the anticipated economic benefits.


In addition, councillors will be asked to approve the creation of a Mayoral Development Corporation (MDC) as the preferred delivery vehicle for the Northern Gateway. The MDC would strengthen the partnership between Bury and Rochdale councils, providing a clear framework and resources to accelerate the project’s delivery. Approval will also be sought for the name and boundary of the MDC, with plans to consult on its establishment.

Bury Council's cabinet is set to review the proposals on Wednesday, 5th March, while Rochdale Council’s cabinet will consider the plan on 18th March.

The Northern Gateway forms part of the wider Atom Valley Mayoral Development Zone, which aims to create a hub for high-tech industries, innovation, and economic growth in the northern part of Greater Manchester. The project presents a unique opportunity for boroughs like Bury and Rochdale to create tens of thousands of well-paid, highly skilled jobs, providing a significant boost to both the local and regional economy.