Key Points
- Greater Manchester leaders have unveiled plans for three new Mayoral Development Corporations (MDCs) to accelerate regeneration, housing delivery, and job creation in Bolton, Oldham, and parts of Tameside.
- Proposed MDCs would target Bolton town centre (including Church Wharf, Crompton Place, Trinity Quarter, and NorthFold Growth Location), Oldham (centred on £70 million SportsTown masterplan around Boundary Park), and Tameside’s Ashton-under-Lyne and Stalybridge.
- MDCs are statutory bodies that can acquire land, handle planning, deliver infrastructure, and act as a single point of contact for developers to attract private investment.
- Model based on Stockport’s successful MDC launched in 2019, which delivered thousands of homes, significant private investment, and major transport improvements.
- Bolton plans include new homes, leisure, retail space, and improved links to the town’s £48 million transport interchange.
- Oldham’s focus is transforming the area around Boundary Park into a multi-sport hub with training, health, education, and community facilities, complementing projects like Northern Roots and work with regeneration partner Muse.
- Tameside scheme emphasises transport-led regeneration using publicly owned land and rail infrastructure, expected to deliver at least 3,000 new homes as the rail line joins Greater Manchester’s Bee Network.
- Part of wider Greater Manchester growth strategy, backed by £1 billion Good Growth Fund and 10-year investment pipeline.
- Public consultation and approvals needed before establishment.
- Mayor Andy Burnham stated: “Over the past decade, Greater Manchester has been the fastest growing economy in the UK – but we know that growth has not been felt equally in all parts of our city region. Our number one priority is to deliver a new decade of good growth that lifts all of our places, and the proud communities that call them home. That’s why we’re backing Bolton, Oldham, and Tameside with plans for new Mayoral Development Corporations – so they can remove barriers to development and bring forward new homes, jobs, and community assets for generations to come.”
Tameside Reporter (Greater Manchester) January 30, 2026 – Greater Manchester leaders have proposed three new Mayoral Development Corporations (MDCs) to drive regeneration in Bolton, Oldham, and parts of Tameside, aiming to boost housing, jobs, and infrastructure while attracting private investment. These statutory bodies would build on the Stockport model, granting powers for land acquisition, planning, and development to streamline progress in targeted areas. The plans form part of a broader £1 billion growth strategy, though they require public consultation and approvals.
What Are Mayoral Development Corporations?
Mayoral Development Corporations represent a proven mechanism for urban renewal in Greater Manchester. As outlined in the proposals, MDCs serve as single points of contact for developers, wielding powers to acquire land, oversee planning, and deliver infrastructure. This approach mirrors the Stockport MDC, launched in 2019, which has delivered thousands of homes, drawn substantial private investment, and facilitated major transport upgrades.
The new entities would focus on Bolton town centre, Oldham town centre, and the neighbouring Tameside towns of Ashton-under-Lyne and Stalybridge. Leaders emphasise that these MDCs aim to remove barriers to development, ensuring growth benefits local communities. Public consultation remains essential before formal establishment, allowing residents to shape outcomes.
Why Focus on Bolton Town Centre Regeneration?
In Bolton, the proposed MDC would target key sites including Church Wharf, Crompton Place, Trinity Quarter, and the NorthFold Growth Location. Plans encompass new homes, leisure facilities, retail spaces, and enhanced connectivity to the town’s £48 million transport interchange. These initiatives seek to revitalise the town centre, fostering economic activity and improving public amenities.
As reported across Greater Manchester sources, this aligns with ongoing efforts to sustain regional growth. The MDC structure promises efficiency, enabling faster delivery of projects that might otherwise face delays. Local leaders view Bolton as primed for transformation, with transport links poised to support broader regeneration.
How Will Oldham’s SportsTown Masterplan Benefit?
Oldham’s MDC centres on the ambitious £70 million SportsTown masterplan around Boundary Park. This scheme aims to create a multi-sport hub incorporating training facilities, health services, education spaces, and community assets. Proponents argue it could catalyse wider town centre regeneration and job creation.
The plans complement existing ventures such as Northern Roots and development partnerships with regeneration firm Muse. By integrating sports, health, and education, SportsTown positions Oldham as a vibrant destination. The MDC would streamline delivery, ensuring the masterplan drives tangible economic uplift.
What Regeneration Powers for Tameside?
Tameside’s proposed MDC spans Ashton-under-Lyne and Stalybridge, prioritising transport-led regeneration. It leverages publicly owned land and rail infrastructure between the town centres, with expectations of at least 3,000 new homes. As the rail line integrates into Greater Manchester’s Bee Network, this could spur economic growth.
The focus on connectivity underscores Tameside’s strategic role in the city region. Improved rail access would enhance links, supporting housing and business development. Residents stand to gain from upgraded infrastructure and new opportunities.
How Does This Fit Greater Manchester’s Growth Strategy?
These proposals integrate into Greater Manchester’s overarching growth framework, bolstered by the £1 billion Good Growth Fund and a 10-year investment pipeline. Despite the region’s status as the UK’s fastest-growing economy over the past decade, disparities persist. Leaders stress equitable benefits, with MDCs designed to distribute prosperity.
Success hinges on securing investment and realising community gains. The Stockport precedent offers reassurance, demonstrating MDCs’ capacity for impact. Continued economic momentum depends on such targeted interventions.
What Did Mayor Andy Burnham Say?
Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham articulated strong support, stating: “Over the past decade, Greater Manchester has been the fastest growing economy in the UK – but we know that growth has not been felt equally in all parts of our city region. Our number one priority is to deliver a new decade of good growth that lifts all of our places, and the proud communities that call them home. That’s why we’re backing Bolton, Oldham, and Tameside with plans for new Mayoral Development Corporations – so they can remove barriers to development and bring forward new homes, jobs, and community assets for generations to come.”
Burnham’s remarks, reported uniformly across sources, highlight inclusivity as central. His vision positions MDCs as tools for lasting progress.
What Challenges Lie Ahead?
While promising, the plans face hurdles including public consultation and regulatory approvals. Securing private investment remains critical, as does demonstrating benefits for residents. Variations in local readiness—such as Bolton’s transport interchange or Oldham’s sports focus—require tailored execution.
Sustained growth demands community buy-in, ensuring developments address housing needs and job opportunities without displacing locals. Monitoring outcomes will be vital.
When Will Consultations Begin?
Public consultation precedes formal MDC establishment, though timelines remain unspecified in initial announcements. This phase invites resident input on priorities like housing density, green spaces, and transport integration. Authorities prioritise transparency to build trust.
Engagement could shape specifics, from Sports Town facilities to Tameside rail enhancements. Participation ensures plans reflect community aspirations.
