Comedian Steve Coogan has announced his commitment to giving back to his Greater Manchester hometown after being appointed to spearhead its regeneration efforts.
The Academy Award-nominated and Bafta-winning actor will serve as co-chairman of Middleton’s mayoral development corporation (MDC), a statutory body with enhanced authority to expedite development and attract investment to the area.
Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham revealed Coogan’s appointment alongside the establishment of five other such entities designed to stimulate regional growth.
Coogan lauded Middleton as a town “really rich in history, the history of people power” and emphasized it was a “great place to grow up”.
The star, renowned for his portrayal of Alan Partridge and roles in franchises like Night At The Museum and Despicable Me, spent his formative years in the Alkrington area of Middleton.
“I feel I owe the people of Middleton a debt. That’s why I’m happy to be involved and talk to people in Middleton and ask them what they want and what they need,” Coogan stated.
He will collaborate with Rochdale Council on initiatives, including the restoration of Middleton Arena, revitalization of the town gardens, and the potential extension of the Metrolink tram network to the town.
Burnham also announced that former British Olympic champion Lord Coe will lead a newly formed MDC focused on the regeneration of Old Trafford, encompassing the development of Manchester United’s stadium.
These mayoral development corporations possess the authority to acquire land, formulate project plans, and collaborate with businesses.
Lord Coe emphasized that sports-driven regeneration projects cultivate strong communities and catalyze economic growth.
“Twenty years on from securing the Olympic and Paralympic Games for this country, I’m ready to help deliver a vision of equal scale and ambition,” he asserted.
Trafford Council estimates the regeneration of the Old Trafford area could yield 15,000 new homes, 48,000 new jobs, and inject over £4 billion into the economy.
In addition to Middleton and Old Trafford, MDCs have been established for Bolton, aimed at accelerating the proposed “Atom Valley” scheme, and for Ashton and Stalybridge, focusing on transport-led regeneration.
A Greater Manchester Combined Authority spokesperson stated these initiatives are projected to create tens of thousands of new jobs, deliver thousands of new homes, and establish new manufacturing sites and commercial spaces.
Other pledges outlined by Burnham include the introduction of half-price bus travel for 18-21 year olds starting in September and a pilot program offering free 24-hour bus travel for older and disabled individuals, set to begin in August.
The strategy also includes plans for a new tram stop to serve new homes in Victoria North, the extension of Metrolink to Stockport, and the integration of commuter lines into the Bee Network.
Burnham has also tasked Transport for Greater Manchester with exploring options for underground tram and train services at Manchester Piccadilly station.
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