Construction begins on the first major development in Greater Manchester’s innovation zone. 

Atom Valley is one of Greater Manchester’s Mayoral Development Zones. Spanning Bury, Oldham and Rochdale, this transformative growth zone is set to reshape the region’s advanced manufacturing landscape and deliver up to 20,000 high-quality jobs. 

Construction has now officially started on the Sustainable Materials and Manufacturing Centre (SMMC), the first major development within Atom Valley. Located next to Kingsway Business Park in Rochdale, the 30,000 sq ft facility is expected to be completed by summer 2026. 

A New Era for Innovation and Industry 

The SMMC is designed to bridge the gap between world-class research and commercial application by helping businesses move from lab to factory. The centre will support start-ups, scale-ups and SMEs specialising in advanced materials, manufacturing and sustainable technologies.  

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." 

Building the Talent Pipeline in the Boroughs 

At its core, the SMMC is about empowering the businesses that drive innovation. Ensuring young people across Bury, Oldham and Rochdale have access to the skills and opportunities needed to thrive in advanced manufacturing and innovation is a vital part of our social responsibility as Atom Valley takes shape. 

Janine Smith, Director of Greater Manchester Business Growth Hub, emphasised the urgency and potential of this moment: 

“Here at Greater Manchester Business Growth Hub, we see Atom Valley as a once-in-a-generation opportunity to shape the future of advanced manufacturing across Bury, Oldham and Rochdale. With 20,000 high-quality jobs set to be created, we must act now to build the talent pipeline in the boroughs that will power this transformation.  

“We’re helping employers engage young people through T-Levels, apprenticeships, work placements and school outreach. We’re also supporting them to upskill their existing teams. Together, we can ensure that Greater Manchester’s workforce is ready to lead the industries of tomorrow.” 

Attracting Global Investment 

The SMMC is also a key asset in Greater Manchester’s inward investment strategy. It will play a vital role in attracting large international businesses looking to establish a base in Greater Manchester’s innovation ecosystem. As Joe Manning, Managing Director of MIDAS, said: 

“Atom Valley strengthens our proposition as a world-class destination for advanced manufacturing, where businesses can access cutting-edge research, skilled talent, and a collaborative environment to scale. The Sustainable Materials and Manufacturing Centre is a catalyst for attracting global investment into Greater Manchester’s innovation ecosystem”.  

A Collaborative Vision for Growth 

The project is being delivered through a partnership between the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA), Rochdale Development Agency, and the University of Manchester.  

The partners hope the SMMC will forge strong ties between Atom Valley and the universities along Manchester’s Oxford Road Corridor, helping to deepen collaboration between research and industry. 

Councillor Neil Emmott, Leader of Rochdale Borough Council, added: 

“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.”