Comedian at launch of massive new vision for expanded Bee Network Metrolink, new homes and better roads
Actor and comedian Steve Coogan has officially launched the vision for Middleton’s major regeneration.
The event at the Old School Rooms in Middleton last week, organised by Middleton Co-operating, marked the start of a major local engagement process. The huge revamp will be part of the Middleton ‘mayoral development corporation’ (MDC) – a public body collaboration between Rochdale and Bury councils in conjunction with the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA).
Performers, residents, community leaders and supporters including Courteeners frontman Liam Fray, Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham and Elsie Blundell MP helped kick off the MDC for the town, showcasing what it could look like.
At the heart of the plans, which would connect to the massive Atom Valley scheme, are proposals to bring the Metrolink to Middleton; create new homes on brownfield plots; high-quality business premises; and better public areas, roads and pathways.
Middleton-born Steve Coogan, co-chair of Middleton MDC, said: “People need to know this is their project. If the people of Middleton feel like they have a stake and a say, it will provide real impetus for change.
“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. We need an approach that shifts the balance of power, so extractive, big business can no longer keep its foot on our neck.”
The MDC will be run on co-operative principles with a board made up of residents, businesses and public leaders. Decisions will be made collectively, with the community, the council and partners working side by side.
Fellow co-chair Rose Marley, the CEO of trade body Co-operatives UK, said: “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.
“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 Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, was speaking at the event a day before unveiling a £1bn plan for Greater Manchester with ‘good growth’ the focus.
Mr Burnham said: “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. Devolution has been a game changer. It has to be a place-based approach. We are backing all of our places and Middleton is to the fore.”
Leader of Rochdale Borough Council, Neil Emmott, added: “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.
“I have served as a councillor in the town for many years so I know that there are lots of organisations and individuals who have the drive and ambition to make this work. All of us are clear about our ambition for Middleton and by working together in the spirit of co-operation, we can make it happen.”
Middleton Co-operating, a partnership led by local people and organisations, is spearheading the town-wide ‘conversation’ that will feed directly into the formation of the proposed Middleton MDC.
Residents, businesses and anyone connected to the town are being urged to take part in a short survey at www.middleton.coop/mdc, sharing their views on what Middleton needs.