Ashton and Stalybridge Mayoral Development Corporation (MDC)

The Ashton and Stalybridge Mayoral Development Corporation (MDC) is a long-term programme that will deliver new, high-quality homes, a diverse range of jobs and improved transport connections across Ashton and Stalybridge. Major investment in rail stations, Metrolink travel, bus, pedestrian and cycling routes, the MDC will deliver thriving town centres and communities to live, work and visit. Forward-looking, well-connected town centres com with new employment and leisure opportunities for all.

Transport at the Heart of the MDC
The Mayoral Development Corporation is the vehicle that will deliver transport led, transformative regeneration.

Slick connection lines between Ashton, Stalybridge and the wider Greater Manchester Bee Network will ensure more people can commute easily to work, educational establishments as well as to recreational and retail facilities. Improved transport links will attract investment and support future growth across the borough.

What is the Mayoral Development Corporation (MDC)?
Mayoral Development Corporations are used across England to coordinate large-scale regeneration projects and to attract investment into areas with significant growth potential.

The MDC is a major partnership that will drive investment into the area and support current and future regeneration projects.

The MDC will work in partnership with Tameside Council and other partners. All parties are aligned in their vision to transform Tameside and attract funding for the future. Planning decisions will continue to be submitted to Tameside Council

Map

The MDC boundary encompasses:

• Ashton town centre
• Stalybridge town centre
• Ashton Moss
• Guide Bridge

These areas are identified as key locations for future growth and investment.

Progress so far
Public consultation took place between May and July 2026, with residents, businesses and community groups sharing their views on the proposals. Following the public consultation, Tameside Council and the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) approved plans to establish the MDC.

The proposal has been submitted to Government for further consideration. Work continues on the MDC's business plan, alongside the formation of governance arrangements while approval is sought. If approved, it is anticipated that the MDC will be formally established early in 2027.

As plans progress, existing residents, businesses and stakeholders will continue to receive updates. The Council would encourage all to take the opportunity to engage with individual projects and proposals as they are announced.

Benefits
The MDC could help deliver:

• Up to 3,000 new homes, including affordable housing
• Improved rail, Metrolink and bus connections
• Redesigned pedestrian and cycling routes
•  Further access to jobs, education centres and services
• New jobs, training and business opportunities
• Significant investment into Ashton and Stalybridge town centres
• Impressive public spaces and infrastructure

Find out more
This page will be updated as the Ashton and Stalybridge MDC progresses.
For the latest information on Regeneration projects across the borough, please visit the www.tameside.gov.uk/regeneratingtameside

Frequently asked questions

1. What is the Ashton and Stalybridge MDC?
The Ashton and Stalybridge Mayoral Development Corporation (MDC) is a partnership that will coordinate regeneration, attract investment and support the delivery of mixed tenure, affordable homes, new jobs and transport improvements across Ashton and Stalybridge.

2. Why is the MDC being created?
The MDC will bring together major regeneration and commercial opportunities across Ashton town centre, Stalybridge town centre, Ashton Moss and Guide Bridge. The aim is to support new economic growth, realise better transport connections, create a more diverse range of jobs and to deliver new homes and communities for all.

3. Who will make decisions?
The MDC Board will oversee the regeneration programme, prioritising transport led regeneration to drive economic growth secure future investment opportunities. The Board will include representatives from key partner organisations, including Tameside Council and the Greater Manchester Combined Authority. The Board's role is to direct and oversee major regeneration projects, whilst local democratic decision-making will remain the responsibility of Tameside Council.

4. Will the MDC take over planning decisions?
No, Tameside Council will remain the local planning authority. Planning applications will continue to be considered through the normal planning process and in line with planning legislation and council procedures.

5. How will local people benefit?
The MDC could help deliver:

• Around 3,000 new homes, including affordable housing
• New jobs and training opportunities
• Better transport connections
• Improved public spaces
• Investment in local businesses
• Stronger, more vibrant town centres.
• Inclusive residential and business communities for all.

6. Will residents still have a say?
Yes. Local people, businesses and community groups have shaped the proposals through the recent public consultation, and there will be further opportunities to engage as projects are developed and brought forward.