Simister Bowlee 'New Town' and M60 Transport Hub Plan Set for Approval
A comprehensive masterplan to effectively establish a new town on farmland adjacent to a crucial M60 motorway junction is poised to receive formal approval this week. The ambitious scheme, centred on a 98-hectare site between Simister and Bowlee, envisions the creation of 1,550 new homes alongside a suite of essential infrastructure and community facilities.
Infrastructure and Community Development
The development framework outlines proposals for new roads, dedicated transport stations, and enhanced connections to walking and pedestrian routes. Community infrastructure is a cornerstone of the project, with plans including new schools, accessible health services, local retail outlets, dedicated community spaces, and productive growing gardens. This integrated approach aims to create a sustainable and well-serviced neighbourhood from the outset.
Strategic Location within Atom Valley
The site's strategic significance is heightened by its proximity to major existing employment zones, with further expansion anticipated over the coming twenty years as part of the wider Atom Valley initiative. Atom Valley is designated as one of six primary growth locations within Greater Manchester, encompassing significant areas of Bury, Oldham, and Rochdale. This vast project promises up to 17 million square feet of employment space, potentially generating 20,000 highly skilled roles in technology and manufacturing sectors, alongside thousands of new residential units.
The Simister and Bowlee project falls under the Northern Gateway umbrella. New transport links are considered pivotal to connecting the future residents with what is projected to become the region's largest and most accessible employment and innovation hubs, thereby catalysing substantial investment across Greater Manchester.
Transport Innovation and Connectivity
Key to these connectivity plans are proposed extensions to the Metrolink network serving Middleton, as well as the introduction of a novel tram-train system. This innovative public transport vehicle would be capable of operating on both conventional rail lines and existing tram tracks, offering greater flexibility without reliance on overhead lines.
Currently, the site—which consists predominantly of agricultural grazing land divided by hedgerows, fencing, and trees east and west of Heywood Old Road (A6045)—is not well-served by public transport. While it is expected to benefit from the proposed Metrolink extension, this element may be decades from realisation.
Short-Term and Long-Term Transport Strategy
In the interim, the focus will shift to immediate road infrastructure improvements and the creation of new cycle and pedestrian pathways. The long-term vision involves establishing comprehensive connections across the Atom Valley area, primarily through the new Metrolink tram extension to Middleton and beyond, anticipated to be fully realised after two decades of phased development.
The official Simister Bowlee Development Framework document states: "The Simister Bowlee site represents the largest combined employment and residential growth opportunity in the north of England. This development will help address Greater Manchester's acute housing and affordability crisis by delivering a diverse mix of homes for all life stages, supported by essential community facilities, a new primary school and accessible green spaces." It further notes the neighbourhood, spanning the boroughs of Bury and Rochdale, will become a destination where future generations can live, work, and play.
Rochdale's cabinet is expected to endorse the progress of this draft framework document at their forthcoming meeting in Number One Riverside on February 5.
