Castleton Station is poised to become a key 'growth location' in Greater Manchester, as the government collaborates with local leaders to unlock land around transport hubs for development. The initiative aims to stimulate construction on available land near commuter hotspots, accelerating the creation of new homes and employment opportunities in well-connected areas.
Under the new scheme, developments around commuter transport hubs are likely to receive a green light by default. This move is part of the government's wider goal to construct 1.5 million new homes within five years.
During a session in the House of Commons last week Darren Jones, Chief Secretary to the Treasury, unveiled the funding agreement that will enhance the authority of regional mayors to allocate government funds where they see fit. This is expected to support Greater Manchester in rolling out transformative projects throughout the Bee Network, while ensuring ticket prices remain reasonable, reports .
Elsie Blundell, MP for Heywood and Middleton North, said: "I am delighted to welcome the announcement that will enable housing to be built around Castleton Station - a step which will increase the number of good jobs available to my constituents and enhance existing rail connections at a time of real innovation across Greater Manchester and the Bee Network.
"Through compatibility between new planning laws, making best use of unused land and improvements in rail we can ensure that people living in communities like mine feel a sense of place and belonging, in a location that suits them and their ambitions. We have long needed such a bold and pioneering approach to fully utilise the community assets which have been there the whole time."
"This Labour Government, alongside the Greater Manchester Combined Authority, continues to work in lockstep to bring about a dynamic rewriting of the rule book and rewiring of our local and regional economies. These steps make perfect sense for the people of Heywood and Middleton North and I am proud to give them my wholehearted support."
Castleton is one of five train stations in the Rochdale borough included in a 15-year regeneration vision for railway towns. In 2021, a masterplan outlined the project to transform brownfield land around Castleton, Littleborough, Mills Hill, Rochdale and Smithy Bridge stations into 7,000 homes, commercial space and a 'cycle corridor'.
Don't miss the latest news and analysis with our regular North West newsletters – sign up here for free
