The Atom Valley Northern Gateway Mayoral Development Corporation (MDC) has appointed Chris Cheap as its new managing director.
Cheap joins the MDC after almost 23 years at real estate advisory firm Avison Young, where he held a number of senior leadership roles both in the North West and nationally.
Northern Gateway is a key part of the wider Atom Valley Mayoral Development Zone, which stretches across Bury, Oldham and Rochdale.
The ambitious development is expected to play a central role in driving growth in advanced manufacturing, innovation, housing and infrastructure.
The wider Atom Valley vision is already taking shape, with the recent completion of the base build of the 30,000 sq ft Sustainable Materials & Manufacturing Centre (SMMC).
The facility is located within the 25-acre Atom Valley Innovation District (AVID) at Kingsway Park in Rochdale.
Northern Gateway is expected to become a major driver of Britain’s reindustrialisation and contribute to the government’s Northern Growth Strategy.
One of its key infrastructure projects will improve road connections between the site and the M66 and M60 motorways, helping to unlock future phases of development.
The improvements will complement ongoing work to increase capacity at the nearby Simister Island interchange.
Cheap said: “The potential of Northern Gateway is unquestionable, and I am excited to join the team at a really important moment in realising it.
“I have been impressed how all of the key stakeholders are focussed on delivering meaningful commercial outputs which will leave a long-lasting legacy for Greater Manchester communities whilst also having a national and international impact”
“Meeting the ambition that we collectively have for Northern Gateway will take careful navigation of the very real complexities of delivering development and cohesive collaboration across both the public and private sector.
“The MDC will play a pivotal role in this and I am pleased to bring my extensive real estate experience and leadership to the team.”
Stephen Dance OBE, chair of the Atom Valley Northern Gateway MDC, said: “I am delighted Chris has agreed to join the MDC and look forward to working with him to steer the delivery of Northern Gateway.
“His expertise will be central to guiding the MDC as it works with partners to secure the necessary public and private investment to unlock new homes, jobs and long-term economic growth.”
Mayor of Greater Manchester Bev Craig said: “I’m determined to create good growth, with jobs and opportunity for every bit of Greater Manchester. Our Mayoral Development Corporations are turning ambition into action. They get development moving much faster – by aligning land, infrastructure, investment and decision-making so complex projects can be delivered at pace and at scale.”