A major milestone has been reached in the ambitious Northern Gateway regeneration project, as the Northern Gateway Development Vehicle (NGDV) has submitted an outline planning application for a nationally significant employment site in Greater Manchester.

NGDV, a 50/50 joint venture between Harworth Group plc and Manchester-based master developer and logistics specialist Russell LDP, has lodged the application with both Bury and Rochdale Councils. The plans propose the first phase of development at the vast Northern Gateway site, which is positioned to become the largest employment development in Greater Manchester.

The initial phase outlines the delivery of up to 6.5 million sq ft of employment space, designed to support a diverse range of industries, with a focus on advanced manufacturing, logistics, and emerging technology sectors. In addition to workspace, the proposal includes supporting amenities such as retail and leisure facilities, a hotel, and expansive green open spaces, all interlinked by a new travel network to enhance site accessibility.

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"Northern Gateway will transform the North West and its economy," said Lynda Shillaw, Chief Executive at Harworth Group. "Focussed on advanced manufacturing, industrial and logistics, and emerging sectors, it will provide a catalyst for growth, elevating the potential of the North West for both existing businesses to expand and new national and international investment in the region. The plans will put the northern conurbation of Greater Manchester on the map as a destination for jobs and skills, driving opportunities for future generations and delivering inclusive growth."

This application represents around half of the total planned development for Northern Gateway, which is expected to ultimately provide around 20,000 jobs. The first phase alone is projected to support up to 10,000 on-site roles, ranging from skilled trades to research & development, artificial intelligence, robotics, and logistics.

Located within the Atom Valley Mayoral Development Zone, the Northern Gateway site lies at the convergence of the M60, M62, and M66 motorways, offering unparalleled connectivity across the North West and beyond, including into Wales and Scotland.

Once operational, this first phase of the scheme is expected to contribute £630 million in gross value added (GVA) to the regional economy annually, while generating approximately £20 million in annual business rates to help fund local council services.

Allocated within the 'Places for Everyone' joint development plan, Northern Gateway is now firmly positioned as a cornerstone of Greater Manchester’s economic future—poised to attract significant investment and create thousands of long-term, high-quality jobs.