Mayoral Development Corporation for Ashton and Stalybridge

Overview

Greater Manchester is a rapidly growing city region, and with that growth comes the need for modern employment spaces and high-quality homes.

The proposed Ashton & Stalybridge Mayoral Development Corporation (MDC) will play a key role in delivering the Tameside Vision. It will support thriving neighbourhoods and help create a well-connected, transport‑focused community across the Ashton & Stalybridge Gateway area.

Anchored by the proposed plans to create the first fully integrated Bee Network Hub, the programme will draw together bus, tram, and train services to leverage improved connectivity, driving regeneration, economic growth, and inclusive development.

The MDC includes a portfolio of development opportunities, including.

• Ashton Town Centre
• Stalybridge Town Centre
• The Ashton–Stalybridge rail corridor, creating new high-quality employment space

Establishing the MDC will help attract public and private investment, raising the profile of Tameside across Greater Manchester and nationally, helping to attract further investment and growth. These potential investments could support:

• Around 3,000 new homes, including affordable housing
• New jobs and employment opportunities
• Improved services and local facilities

A coordinated approach

The MDC will act as a single point of contact for regeneration activity across the area and front-door for engagement with stakeholders, developers, and investors. Furthermore, establishing the Mayoral Development Corporation would coordinate activity on the delivery programme, enabling the delivery of optimal outcomes. It will also provide a long-term strategic vision and programme for the Town Centre, demonstrating commitment to delivery to provide developer and investor confidence.

The proposed area

The proposed Ashton & Stalybridge MDC boundary is shown in the map below and includes:

• Guide Bridge railway station
• Ashton Moss
• Ashton Town Centre
• The Gateway Employment Corridor
• Stalybridge Town Centre

The proposed area within Ashton presents a remarkable opportunity to create one of Greater Manchester’s most significant investment opportunities and a nationwide transport led regeneration exemplar. This transformative project promises to dramatically enhance economic growth and increase quality of life for residents in the local area.

To support the realisation of the shared vision for the area the Greater Manchester Combined Authority has decided to consult on the creation of a regeneration corporation known as a Mayoral Development Corporation.

Why your views matter

We believe that a Mayoral Development Corporation (MDC) would work to secure benefits for local people and businesses and has the potential to turn the vision of Ashton & Stalybridge into reality. However, we want to ensure that everyone with an interest in the area has the opportunity to share their views on the MDC proposal. This consultation specifically focuses on the creation of an MDC to support development in the area.

During this consultation, we will gather public comments and opinions on:

•  The creation of the Ashton & Stalybridge MDC
• If you think our proposals will help to support development, growth, and improvements in Ashton & Stalybridge
• If we’ve got the proposed boundaries of the MDC right – and if not, what we need to consider changing.

While our preferred method for receiving feedback is through this online platform, alternative ways to share your views are outlined in the FAQ document below.

If you would like more information, need the consultation materials in an alternative format, or wish to access them using a translation service, please contact: engagement@greatermanchester-ca.gov.uk