URL: https://democracy.rochdale.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=2779

Decision Maker: Cabinet

Outcome:

Is Key Decision?: Yes

Is Callable In?: Yes

Purpose: To report the outcome of the consultation and to seek Cabinet approval to create the MDC.

Content: The Cabinet considered a report of the Director of Economy and Place, which sought to update on the outcome of the public consultation on Atom Valley Northern Gateway Mayoral Development Corporation (MDC) that had been launched in March, this year. The report also sought to inform of the operational and governance arrangements for the MDC and to request approval for the Council to act as host authority for the MDC.   The Head of Strategic Growth was in attendance to present the information and to address the questions and the comments of the Cabinet Members.   The Officer informed that the Council was working in partnership with Bury Council and the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) to progress the delivery of the Northern Gateway sites, providing a significant boost to employment opportunities, infrastructure and economic growth locally.   Following the Cabinet resolution in March 2025 and subsequent approval by the GMCA, a consultation had taken place on the proposal to create a Mayoral Development Corporation (MDC) to accelerate the delivery of the sites, reflecting their collective importance locally, regionally and nationally.   During the consultation period, the Communities, Regeneration and Environment Overview and Scrutiny Committee, at its meeting held on 20 May 2025, had considered the Cabinet report dated 18th March 2025 and the approval to proceed to consultation on the creation of the Atom Valley  Northern Gateway MDC. The key points raised by the Committee had been noted within today’s report.   The Officer continued informing that the implementation of the Atom Valley Northern Gateway MDC would provide a single, focussed body for engagement with Government and key stakeholders to work towards securing the comprehensive and joined up delivery of physical and social infrastructure to support over 1,200,000 square metres of employment floorspace and 3,000 new homes to achieve the ambitions of the Northern Gateway Strategic Development Vision and the Council’s priorities.   Resolved: 1.    That the outcome of the ‘Atom Valley Northern Gateway MDC’ consultation, as detailed within the Consultation Report (Appendix 2) be noted; 2.    That the creation of the MDC be approved; 3.    That the MDC objectives be endorsed and the proposed governance and operational arrangements, as set out in this report and the draft MDC constitution (Appendix 3) be noted; 4.    That the principles of the governance and operational arrangements for the MDC be noted; it also be noted that these would continue to evolve in advance of relevant legislation to enact it by the Secretary of State (SoS); 5.    That authority be delegated to the Director of Economy and Place in consultation with the Assistant Director of Legal, Governance and Coroners, with the Leader of the Council and relevant portfolio holders, to approve the final governance, objectives and operational arrangements for the MDC; 6.    That it be agreed that the Council act as the host authority for the MDC, with Bury Council to act as the partner authority, subject to a 2 year initial review from incorporation and with further reviews to take place every 5 years thereafter; 7.    It be noted that corresponding recommendations are to be presented to Bury Council, and that, if endorsed a further report will be presented to the GMCA and GM Mayor to seek final endorsement of these proposals. Accordingly, referral to the Secretary of State and establishment of the Atom Valley Northern Gateway MDC is contingent on these respective decisions; 8.    That it be noted that, following endorsement by GMCA, the Mayor and the SoS a further report would be presented to Cabinet outlining the operational arrangements for hosting of the MDC here in Rochdale, its associated operating costs and to confirm how these costs will be shared and funded between the MDC partners.   Reason for decision: In March 2025, Cabinet had endorsed the creation of an MDC as the preferred  delivery vehicle for the Northern Gateway and approved consultation on the proposal, along with the boundary within which the MDC was proposed to operate (Appendix 4). This consultation had now concluded with the outcome and associated recommendations included within this report.   The MDC was considered to be the most appropriate delivery mechanism to achieve the Strategic Development Vision for Northern Gateway, endorsed by Cabinet in November 2024 and which had informed the proposed objectives of the MDC.   MDCs were intended to be democratically controlled public authorities, retaining local accountability whilst providing delivery and governance stability in the long term. The Atom Valley Northern Gateway MDC would be tasked with boosting the profile of the Northern Gateway programme and as a single institutional platform, the MDC would have the ability to streamline private sector engagement and convene the public sector, with potential enhanced powers in respect of land assembly and financial incentives for accelerated delivery.   In line with the above, if endorsed by Cabinet, the council would host the MDC with Bury Council to act as the partner authority for an initial period of 2 years with reviews every 5 years thereafter. The operational resource costs of the MDC would be shared equally between this council and Bury Council.   Alternatives considered and rejected: That the ‘Atom Valley Northern Gateway MDC’ is not endorsed and would therefore not proceed to implementation. Alternative delivery mechanisms would need to be revisited, however as outlined in the previous cabinet report and above, an analysis of alternative options had been undertaken with the MDC being the preferred delivery mechanism.   In the event the MDC was not endorsed, the council and partners would continue to work collaboratively through current established governance arrangements. However, the benefits of the MDC as a delivery mechanism would not be achieved and the economic growth benefits arising from the Northern Gateway development would not be maximised.

Date of Decision: July 29, 2025