Rochdale Development Agency

Rochdale Development Agency (RDA) is at the heart of Rochdale’s growth story. For over thirty years, it has been the driving force behind the borough’s economic development, regeneration and inward investment, helping to transform the local economy and create opportunities for residents, businesses and communities.

Established in 1993 as a local authority controlled company of Rochdale Borough Council, the RDA was created with a clear mission: to champion the whole borough, covering Rochdale, Heywood, Middleton and Pennine township of Littleborough, Milnrow, Newhey and Wardle, as a high-potential location for investment while supporting existing businesses to grow and succeed. Today it is recognised as one of the most respected and high-performing development agencies in the UK, with a reputation for delivery, innovation and strong partnership working.

A proven track record of impact

The RDA has a long history of success in securing investment and delivering regeneration. Independent research shows that for every £1 spent, the RDA generates nearly £14 of economic benefit to the local economy. Since 2021 alone, the Agency has helped secure more than £250 million of funding for regeneration schemes, enabling large-scale development and creating a strong pipeline of future projects.

This track record is built on credibility with both the private and public sectors. The RDA has delivered major schemes such as the Rochdale Riverside retail and leisure development, which has revitalised the town centre, and Kingsway Business Park, one of the largest and most successful business parks in the North West. Both projects have attracted global employers and generated thousands of jobs, firmly putting Rochdale on the map as a business-friendly location.

The Rail Corridor Regeneration Strategy is another example of its bold and ambitious approach. With plans for 7,000 new homes along key transport routes, including direct delivery on Council-owned land, the RDA is ensuring that brownfield land is brought back into use and that growth is sustainable, connected and inclusive.

 

Driving innovation and future growth

The RDA is not only about delivering today’s projects – it is about shaping the economy of tomorrow. Working closely with partners across Greater Manchester and beyond, it is leading on initiatives that will transform Rochdale’s long-term economic prospects.

A flagship example is the Sustainable Materials and Manufacturing Centre (SMMC), currently under construction at Kingsway Business Park. The Centre will provide state-of-the-art laboratory and research facilities, workshops, flexible workspaces and collaboration spaces to support advanced manufacturing and innovation. It will host world-class programmes such as CEAMS (the Centre of Expertise in Advanced Materials and Sustainability) and play a central role in Greater Manchester’s ambition to be a global leader in advanced materials.

The RDA is also a key partner in Atom Valley, a Mayoral Development Zone spanning Rochdale, Oldham and Bury. Atom Valley will deliver 17 million sq ft. of new employment space, 20,000 new homes and thousands of high-skilled jobs. For Rochdale, Atom Valley represents a once-in-a-generation opportunity to reshape the local economy, attract international investment and ensure that residents have access to the skills and jobs of the future.

Alongside Atom Valley, the Northern Gateway Mayoral Development Corporation is set to become the largest employment site in the North of England. Here, the RDA is working with Bury Council and the GM Combined Authority (GMCA) universities, developers and government partners to establish an advanced materials research and innovation park, creating a hub of international significance that will support highly skilled, well-paid employment.

A partnership model that works

One of the RDA’s greatest strengths is its ability to forge long-lasting and productive partnerships. The Agency works hand-in-hand with Rochdale Borough Council, the GMCA, developers, investors, government departments and universities. This collaborative model enables the RDA to leverage public investment, attract private sector capital, and ensure projects are delivered at scale.

The RDA also benefits from the expertise of its independent Board of Directors, which brings together senior leaders from both the public and private sectors. Board members contribute across areas including business support, skills, innovation, digital, heritage and visitor economy. Their input helps the Agency remain commercially sharp, strategically ambitious, and fully aligned with the needs of residents and businesses.

  • Behind the RDA’s success is a dedicated team of more than 40 professionals working across economic development, project management, culture and placemaking, property, business support and innovation. The team combines commercial acumen with deep understanding of local government and place-based regeneration, making it well placed to deliver complex projects in politically sensitive environments.

    The RDA is a corporate member of the Institute of Economic Development, a supporter of the Greater Manchester Good Employment Charter, and a multi-award-winning organisation, including the Local Government Chronicle Award for Economic Support (2021) for its bold approach to regeneration and job creation.

  • The RDA’s role is not only about securing investment and delivering buildings,  it is about ensuring that growth is inclusive, sustainable and transformative for local people. That means supporting SMEs and entrepreneurs, creating pathways into work, and working with schools, colleges and training providers to equip residents with the skills needed to thrive in a changing economy.

    It also means making sure that every part of the borough benefits, from the transformation of Rochdale Town Centre to opportunities in Heywood, Middleton and Littleborough. The RDA is committed to tackling inequalities, addressing disparities between communities, and ensuring that regeneration delivers for all

  • As Rochdale enters one of the most exciting periods in its history, the RDA will continue to play a central role in delivering its ambitions. With a strong track record, a talented team, and an unrivalled portfolio of projects, the Agency is well positioned to lead the borough’s next phase of growth.

    From flagship developments such as Atom Valley and the Rail Corridor Strategy, to the innovation opportunities at the Sustainable Materials and Manufacturing Centre, the RDA’s work will help secure long-term prosperity for Rochdale. Its focus is on building a fairer, greener and more prosperous borough, one that is recognised nationally and internationally as a place of opportunity, innovation and success.