Greater Manchester town could get the Metrolink under regeneration plans

A masterplan for the town was tabled in 2022, but progress has stalled

George Lythgoe Local democracy reporter

14:36, 22 Apr 2025

Middleton town centre(Image: Kenny Brown | Manchester Evening News)

The Metrolink tram, a new cinema and town centre regeneration are all included in a bold new vision for Middleton.

Town hall bosses in Rochdale have officially signed off on the creation of a Mayoral Development Corporation (MDC) for the town on the edge of their borough. Rochdale Council chiefs designed a masterplan for Middleton back in 2022, which had ambitions to create thousands of new homes and a new tram link off the Bury line.

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A regeneration of the high streets was also included in the 2022 vision to help address ‘building vacancy and a scruffy appearance in areas’.

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Due to development constraints, market failure and viability issues the council has struggled to unlock the land to deliver on this regeneration.

Middleton town centre 'masterplan' area(Image: Rochdale council.)

So the latest meeting of the council’s cabinet heard how the new MDC could bring in the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) to help drive their ambitions for the town forward.

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The meeting held in Number One Riverside, council HQ, was told how mayoral powers could overcome the hurdles required.

Coun Neil Emmott, leader of the council and West Middleton ward representative, said: “The mayor has a greater access to money than we do. I think we can get more through a MDC.

Coun Neil Emmott, leader of Rochdale Borough Council(Image: Kenny Brown | Manchester Evening News)

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“It has been years since the community cinema closed down but I would like to see a cinema in Middleton again. I also think it would be brilliant if they could bring Metrolink trams to our town centre.

“This could be a real game changer for Middleton. It will be getting the regeneration it has needed for many, many years.”

The next steps will see the Mayoral Development Corporation report delivered to the GMCA and £600,000 spent to kickstart the plan.

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Coun Sue Smith, portfolio holder for communities and cooperation, described it ‘as a long time coming’. She said it will tie in with the Atom Valley scheme, which is expected to generate more than 20,000 high-quality jobs and bring a £1bn economic boost to Rochdale and Bury.