Comedian and actor Steve Coogan has officially launched an ambitious regeneration vision for his hometown of Middleton, marking the beginning of a major community engagement process that promises to transform the area.
A New Approach to Urban Development
The launch event took place at the Old School Rooms in Middleton last week, organised by Middleton Co-operating. The gathering brought together performers, residents, community leaders and notable supporters including Courteeners frontman Liam Fray, Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham and Elsie Blundell MP to kickstart the Middleton Mayoral Development Corporation (MDC).
At the heart of the ambitious plans are proposals to extend the Metrolink to Middleton, create new homes on brownfield sites, develop high-quality business premises, and improve public areas, roads and pathways. The scheme will connect to the massive Atom Valley development, creating significant economic opportunities for the region.
Community-Driven Regeneration
Middleton-born Steve Coogan, who serves as co-chair of the Middleton MDC, emphasised the unique nature of this regeneration project. "People need to know this is their project," he stated. "If the people of Middleton feel like they have a stake and a say, it will provide real impetus for change."
Coogan highlighted the determination to avoid traditional extractive development models: "We want to do this in a different way. Of course we want shiny new buildings, but there has to be a material effect on the people. We need to mitigate an extractive approach – so the dividend of investment directly benefits the people of Middleton."
The MDC represents a collaboration between Rochdale and Bury councils working in conjunction with the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA). Unlike conventional development corporations, this initiative will be run on co-operative principles with a board comprising residents, businesses and public leaders working collectively.
Co-operative Principles in Action
Fellow co-chair Rose Marley, CEO of trade body Co-operatives UK, explained the groundbreaking approach: "This is a chance to do regeneration differently. We want an approach where local people have influence at every stage and where decisions reflect the values of the community."
She added: "For us, that means using co-operative principles, so people feel genuinely involved in shaping the town's future. Middleton deserves investment that works for its residents, not around them."
The event occurred just before Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham unveiled a £1 billion plan for Greater Manchester with 'good growth' as its central focus. Burnham commented: "We want to pioneer a new model of economic growth. There was an approach in the past in which low wage, low skill jobs were the only things considered good enough for places like Middleton."
He emphasised that "devolution has been a game changer" and that the approach must be "place-based," with Middleton positioned at the forefront of this new strategy.
Local Enthusiasm and Next Steps
Leader of Rochdale Borough Council, Neil Emmott, expressed his excitement about the project's potential: "There was so much energy in the room you could feel the desire to bring this project to life and, most importantly, ensure it is really led by the people of Middleton."
Having served as a councillor in the town for many years, Emmott confirmed that "there are lots of organisations and individuals who have the drive and ambition to make this work."
Middleton Co-operating, a partnership led by local people and organisations, is now spearheading a town-wide conversation that will directly inform the formation of the proposed Middleton MDC. Residents, businesses and anyone connected to Middleton are being encouraged to participate in a short survey available at www.middleton.coop/mdc to share their views on what the town needs most.
This community-focused regeneration approach represents a significant departure from traditional development models, placing local voices at the centre of decision-making processes that will shape Middleton's future for generations to come.
