Green light for the progression of plans to develop Ashton Moss Innovation Park

PLANS for development that could see Ashton Moss transform into an Innovation Park are to move forward following approval of the draft Ashton Moss Development Framework by Tameside Council’s Executive Cabinet on Wednesday 26 January. With the potential to create a large employment site for the manufacturing and engineering sectors the plans would bring massive benefits to the borough.

Already underway, the Ashton Moss Development Framework, explores the detailed design to unlock two areas of land close to the M60 that could deliver significant economic, social, environmental and infrastructure benefits for Tameside.

As an investment, planning and economic tool the framework is designed to guide and help drive forward development on the site, identifying scenarios available to potential occupiers, investors and developers. The aim of the document is to set out a comprehensive approach and vision for the regeneration of the Ashton Moss area following research and further scoping of the plans.

Situated within the Ashton Mayoral Development Zone and Eastern Growth Cluster, Ashton Moss has the advantage of being easily accessible from the M60 and M62, connecting it to the Greater Manchester region and beyond. It is located next to the current employment area and is closely linked to St Petersfield, another regionally significant site primed to provide high quality office space and new homes.

Baseline analysis has identified unprecedented demand for spaces to support a wide range of industrial, manufacturing and other industries and the ambition for the site is supported by the Greater Manchester (GM) Strategy which frames the approach to building on core economic strengths of the city region including a globally competitive manufacturing sector, a vibrant digital sector, excellent air connectivity and a dynamic regional centre driving growth. Work to date has been funded an external grant secured via the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) from Evergreen II.

Development of Ashton Moss as an Innovation Park is a fantastic opportunity to create new jobs for residents and attract a skilled and talented workforce. It also has the potential to bring new and innovative businesses in advanced manufacturing to boost to the local economy, building on the borough’s heritage and strengths in the manufacturing industry.

The multi-disciplinary team including LDA Design, Hydrock, Walker Sime, CBRE, Curtin’s and Tameside Council have been engaging with key stakeholders, partners and landowners, and Tameside Inclusive Growth Board with more formal consultation to follow with the development of specific proposals.

Work will continue to explore a flexible strategy and carry out further detailed design work to establish the ground conditions, infrastructure design, site levels, drainage and the remediation of the site are required to determine the sites delivery. The site is currently allocated as greenbelt therefore the team will follow the outcome of examination hearings regarding Places for Everyone (PfE) allocation to identify the potential next steps and further due diligence required as well as a strategy for delivery of an employment focused development. 

Councillor David Sweeton, Tameside Council Executive Member (Inclusive Growth, Business & Employment) said; “The Development Framework for Ashton Moss Innovation Park could help us bring new jobs, attract a skilled and talented workforce to the borough in the manufacturing and engineering sectors. Opening up this site will provide a land supply platform which will allow us the potential to attract national and international blue chip manufacturers and innovative advanced manufacturing businesses including those within their supply chain to boost the local economy. Developing these plans will help join up our ambitions for Ashton supporting the town centre regeneration projects and the St Petersfield developments to help bring inclusive growth to the Borough.”

Find out more about the plans for Ashton Moss at Ashton Moss West Development Framework (tameside.gov.uk)