An outline planning application has been submitted for the first phase of Northern Gateway, a major employment-led scheme in Greater Manchester.

The Northern Gateway Development Vehicle – a joint venture between Harworth Group and Russell LDP – is behind the 500-acre project, which will eventually support up to 20,000 jobs.

The initial phase covers around half the site and proposes up to 6.5m sq ft of employment space aimed at advanced manufacturing, industrial and logistics businesses.

Plans also include a hotel, retail and leisure units, new access roads, walking and cycling routes, and large areas of landscaped parkland. Flexible industrial units will target sectors such as AI, robotics, research & development, and logistics.

The site, at the junction of the M60, M62 and M66, sits within the Atom Valley Mayoral Development Zone and was allocated in Greater Manchester’s Places for Everyone plan.

If approved, the first phase is expected to generate £630m a year in GVA and £20m in business rates to support local services.

Further residential plans for a neighbouring site are also being drawn up and will go out to consultation at a later date.