News

Plans for new ‘hi-tech innovation hub’ in Manchester approved by local leaders

Atom Valley could bring 20,000 jobs, and 7,000 new low carbon homes to the region.

Emily Sergeant Emily Sergeant - 1st August 2022

The green light has officially been given for a major new high-tech innovation hub in Manchester that’s set to bring thousands of new jobs and low carbon homes to the region.

Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) confirmed that leaders have approved plans for the Atom Valley Mayoral Development Zone (MDZ) – which will connect town centres in Bury, Rochdale, Oldham, Middleton, Heywood, Radcliffe, and Prestwich.

Atom Valley has the potential to deliver around 20,000 high-quality jobs, 1.6 million sq m of employment floorspace, and 7,000 new low carbon homes, according to GMCA.

With the aim of “driving innovation in the housing market” and supporting the region’s ambitions to be net zero by 2028, Atom Valley is set to create a “hub for innovation” in advanced materials, manufacturing, and green technologies.

GMCA says there’ll also be world-leading facilities and opportunities for local residents to access good jobs, training, and skills.

ADVERTISEMENT
An artist’s impression image of what the Advanced Machinery and Productivity Institute at Atom Valley in Rochdale could look like / Credit: Rochdale Council

Leaders in Greater Manchester explained that the decision to designate Atom Valley as an MDZ means that work between public and private sector partners and national agencies can be “better aligned” as part of a coordinated strategy for “guiding development” and “unlocking investment”.

Atom Valley MDZ will cover the Northern Gateway in Bury and Rochdale, the Kingsway Business Park in Rochdale, and Stakehill in Rochdale and Oldham.

ADVERTISEMENT

It’s tipped to “transform economic growth” and industrial innovation in Greater Manchester.

Atom Valley tipped to “transform economic growth” and industrial innovation in Greater Manchester / Credit: Google Maps

It’s one of six priority growth locations identified as part of the Greater Manchester Strategy – with the aim of delivering a greener, fairer, more prosperous city-region.

“The decision is a green light for our plans to transform the economy of our city-region and rebalance the scales of growth and opportunity,” explained Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham.

ADVERTISEMENT

“Our priority has always been to deliver inclusive growth that benefits all of our people and places, [and] Atom Valley will offer world-class facilities for research and innovation, powering the skills and jobs needed to drive a new industrial revolution in advanced manufacturing and green technologies.

“It will also be the catalyst for revitalising town centres in the north east of the city-region, with new transport links integrated into our Bee Network – and as part of this we’re looking at all options to deliver Metrolink right into the centre of Middleton.

Read more: Plans submitted to build the UK’s biggest ‘urban farm’ in Oldham

“While the future of the national levelling up agenda hangs in the balance, we’re getting on with our vision for a Greater Manchester that delivers good jobs, good homes, and better opportunities for everyone.”

You can find out more about Atom Valley here.

Featured Image – Atom Valley

News

A Salford student has made history as BBC Radio 1’s newest presenter

Danny Jones Danny Jones Young University of Salford student becomes new BBC Radio 1 presenter

A University of Salford student has made history after becoming the latest radio presenter for mainstream national station BBC Radio 1.

And he’s only 20 years old.

Matt Hallsworth from Harleston in Norfolk has become the first ever Salford student to sign a contract with the station whilst still studying, and is now set to join fellow alumni such as Vicky Hawkesworth and Katie Thistleton in working for the BBC’s biggest radio station.

If that isn’t hitting the ground running in your career, then we don’t know what is.

Set to host the spin-off online stream ‘Radio 1 Anthems’ – available via BBC’s digital Sounds platform, which hosts live and pre-recorded broadcasts, podcasts, music playlists and more – Hallsworth will be taking charge of several shows in the coming weeks.

The BA Television and Radio Production student, who is currently Head of Radio at the University’s in-house station Shock Radio, has already won a number of awards in his fledgling broadcast career and is now set to present a total of 16 shows through next month, starting from 8am on Tuesday, 2 April.

Matt has already had a glimpse of life at the BBC, having joined in as one of their Christmas Presenters back in December; he won the coveted slot after being crowned winner of ‘Best Presenter’ at last year’s Student Radio Awards (SRAs) and was the youngest out of a total 27 guest hosts that got the chance.

In addition to that accolade, he also collected the Gold Award for ‘Best Chart Show’ at the 2024 SRAs, with his on-air partner and fellow student Issy Brand also joining him in earning the title of ‘Best On-Air Team’ for the second year in a row in the International Student Broadcasting Championship.

Since then, he’s already enjoyed experience as a freelance presenter for nearby Hits Radio, working and is now the lead host officer for The Student Radio Association’s annual conference over in Salford.

You can listen HERE. (Credit: BBC)

Speaking on the unbelievable opportunity, the rising radio star said: “I am so excited to be joining the BBC Radio 1 Anthems family across April! Since the stream’s launch in October, it’s been evident the BBC is using it as a platform to nurture new presenters, and I feel thrilled to be able to join that.

“I was working on some university assignment work in January when I got the text and call from Aled [Hayden Jones, Head of Station at BBC Radio 1], with feedback from my Christmas show and offering the opportunity.

“The shows have the best playlists, full of songs that I grew up with, forgot about, and play anyway. I can’t wait for people to hear them.”

As for UoS‘s Programme Leader for BA TV and Radio Production, Louise Ready-Syrat, she says: “I’m hugely proud and pleased for Matt, he is such a lovely person and a huge talent that will be amazing in every capacity.

“Watching his development over his time with us on the BA Television and Radio Production course has been a privilege and a real inspiration to his fellow students.

“Always quick to help out on our Open Days, award shows and as Head of Shock Radio, he has proven himself to be a true professional and a genuinely great guy! Super pleased for him, he will smash this!”

Read more:

Lyndon Saunders, Senior Lecturer and Subject Group Head for Broadcast Media, went on to add: “As soon as we heard Matt take to the student airwaves at Salford, we knew he would be snapped up by somebody big before too long. It’s just amazing to discover that he’s going national on BBC Radio 1.

“He’s so hard working, so determined, but so humble about his on air talent. I’ve worked with Matt in a producer capacity as well and he has an incredible work ethic – a gift for the journalism and storytelling side of radio too. In short, radio is in his veins, and we’re thrilled he’s making his dream a reality.”

You’ve done your department, Salford and Greater Manchester as a whole proud, Matt – we look forward to hearing you on the airwaves for years to come!

As far as universities go, UoS continues to be a brilliant proving ground for up-and-coming media talent.

MediaCity launches brand new state-of-the-art creative content space
We can’t guarantee every Salford student will go on to be a BBC Radio 1 presenter, but they’ll certainly stand you in good stead.

For all the latest news, events and goings on in Greater Manchester, subscribe to The Manc newsletter HERE.

Featured Images — University of Salford (Supplied)

News

Boy, 14, dies after e-scooter crash in Manchester

Daisy Jackson Daisy Jackson Police are appealing for information after a 14-year-old boy died after an e-scooter crash in Manchester. Credit: Google Maps

A teenage boy has died a week after a horror crash involving an e-scooter in Manchester.

An electric scooter with two 14-year-old riders was travelling through Wythenshawe when it collided with a car, coming to rest on a third vehicle.

Tragically, a week after the crash, one of the teenage boys has died from his injuries.

The other rider didn’t receive any serious or life-threatening injuries.

The collision occurred at a junction in the direction of Southmoor Road on 19 March at around 4pm.

Police are now investigating the incident and appealing for any witness to come forward.

Detective Constable Steven Pennington, from GMP’s Serious Collision Investigation Unit, said: “A young boy has tragically lost his life following this collision and our condolences are with his family and friends.

“Our work into the circumstances of the collision is still ongoing and we continue to ask anyone with relevant information to please get in touch with us as we continue our work.”

The boy’s family are being supported by specialist officers as enquiries continue, and have asked for privacy as they continue to grieve their loss.

No arrests have been made.

GMP’s statement says: “Anyone who witnessed the incident or has any CCTV, dashcam, or doorbell footage is asked to get in touch with officers.

“This can be done by contacting police via 101 or gmp.police.uk, quoting log 2263 of 19/03/25.

“Alternatively, you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.”

Read more

Featured image: Google Maps

More News

Manchester

The 2025 Manchester Marathon is set to create the UK’s biggest-ever day of running

Bee Network integrated train lines network

Boroughs

Greater Manchester unveils latest vision to bring local rail under the Bee Network

Kids & Family

Blackpool Pleasure Beach is getting a new multi-million pound ride

Audio

Clint Boon takes us around Manchester's iconic Deaf Institute

Eats

We go meatballs deep with Mira's traditional Neapolitan sandwiches