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Work is set to begin on a facility that will unlock thousands of jobs in Rochdale.

The Sustainable Materials and Manufacturing Centre (SMMC), located at Kingsway Business Park near the M62, is set to become a catalyst for growth in advanced manufacturing, machinery, materials, and scientific research.

Designed as part of a wider innovation ecosystem, the centre will play a key role in establishing Atom Valley as a world-class hub for advanced materials and manufacturing.

Atom Valley is one of six growth locations in Greater Manchester and includes significant parts of Bury, Oldham and Rochdale. It is a vast area of 17 million sq ft employment space, with the potential to offer 20,000 'highly skilled' roles in the technology and manufacturing sectors.

The SMMC will boast 2,724 sq m of space and will have laboratory space; workshops; metrology space; and design and analysis studios. Meanwhile a lecture theatre, meeting rooms, flexible workspace for start-ups, office space for manufacturers and a café are also included in the plans.

Following completion of the development agreement, developer Wilson Bowden Developments Limited will now begin delivery of the building, with completion expected by summer 2026.

DWF, the global provider of integrated legal and business services, has advised Rochdale Borough Council and the Rochdale Development Agency (RDA) on the acquisition and development

Lee Pickett, partner and joint head of regeneration at DWF, said: "We are delighted to have supported Rochdale Borough Council and the Rochdale Development Agency on this landmark project.