Issue - meetings

A report of the Leader and Cabinet Member for Growth that seeks approval for proposals for the commencement of formal statutory consultation on the establishment of an Oldham Mayoral Development Corporation.

The Cabinet considered a report of the Executive Director of Place/Deputy Chief Executive that, if approved, would enable the Council to undertake the required statutory consultation on the proposed establishment of an Oldham Mayoral Development Corporation, in order to test public and stakeholder support for a governance model intended to accelerate delivery of the Borough’s regeneration programme and Live Well ambitions, before any final decision would be made regarding a formal designation.

The Cabinet was therefore being asked to approve the commencement of formal statutory consultation on the proposed establishment of an Oldham Mayoral Development Corporation (MDC).

The MDC would be a statutory body, designated by the Mayor of Greater Manchester, operating within a defined Red Line Boundary (Mayoral Development Area), as detailed in the submitted report, focused on accelerating delivery of Oldham’s regeneration and development programme, including, the following:

·       SportsTown (Health, Sport Science & Innovation Campus)

·       Town Centre regeneration (including Town Living Partnership sites)

·       Cultural & Creative Quarter heritage assets

·       Minewater Heat Network and Incubator

·       Northern Roots (Phase 2)

·       Strategic brownfield residential opportunities

The Cabinet was advised that a proposed MDC would support the delivery of: The Greater Manchester Strategy (GMS) 2025, the Pride, Progress, Partnership (The Oldham Plan 2024 – 2030), the Community Regeneration Partnership and Oldham’s Live Well ambitions.

Options/Alternatives considered:

Option 1 – Do Nothing / Continue with Existing Arrangements

Option 2 – Strategic Partnership Expansion

Option 3 – Mayoral Development Zone (Non-Statutory

Option 4 (the preferred Option) – create a Mayoral Development Corporation

Resolved:

1.    That the Cabinet approves the commencement of formal statutory consultation on the proposal to establish an Oldham Mayoral Development Corporation.

2.    That the Cabinet notes that following consultation, a further report will be brought to Cabinet to consider the outcome and determine whether to support the Mayor of Greater Manchester in formally requesting designation from the Secretary of State.

To scrutinise proposals for the commencement of formal statutory consultation on the establishment of an Oldham Mayoral Development Corporation.

The Scrutiny Committee considered a report of the Executive Director of

Place/Deputy Chief Executive that sought approval for the commencement of formal statutory consultation on the proposed establishment of an Oldham Mayoral Development Corporation (MDC).

The report was due to be presented to the Cabinet, at its meeting on 23rd March 2026, where Members would consider any comments and observations presented by this Scrutiny Board.

In considering the report, Members of the Scrutiny Board sought clarification on:

a.    maximalist approach with the red line? It was noted that everything within the red line was a mix of regeneration and new builds.

b.    Where would the money be coming from? It was noted that it would not be new money, however Private Sector money and work with the GM Mayor would allow the best use of what was available.

c.    Did the Council control the MDC? It was noted that the MDC insulated decisions from political uncertainty, there would be political representation on the Board along with independence of the Chair with expertise around Health and Leisure. The Council would have a stake in the MDC.

d.    Would there be further consultation and what was the process? It was noted that resident feedback would be part of the consultations however, the main focus would be Stakeholders and Environmental Partners. Following the consultation, a report would be produced and shared on the responses.

RESOLVED that the Place, Economic Growth and Environment Scrutiny Board endorses the Proposal to undertake Statutory Consultation on the Establishment of an Oldham Mayoral Development Corporation (MDC).