BLUEPRINTS for a new ‘advanced manufacturing city’ alongside the M62 could take shape in Oldham.

Economic development chiefs believe the M62 North East Growth Corridor, which runs to the north of the borough, is the “largest growth area in Greater Manchester”.

And the potential for encouraging advanced manufacturing outfits and logistics specialists to locate beside the bustling route is seen as a huge potential magnet for inward investment.

More than one million square feet of new mixed employment space could be created in Bury and neighbouring Rochdale and Oldham, under the plans.

Oldham Council leader Sean Fielding said: ““I came into office on a promise of maximising the opportunities that devolution to Greater Manchester can offer Oldham and this is one example of that.

“Working with Bury and Rochdale I’ve fought hard for recognition in the Greater Manchester Local Industrial Strategy that these employment land allocations will be for advanced materials manufacturing, creating high wage, skilled jobs for the people of Oldham as opposed to just logistics and warehousing. I’m glad that we were successful and this commitment has been included.

“If we are serious about our ambitions to rebalance the economy in Greater Manchester it’s decisions like this that we must not shy away from. Oldham people deserve local, well paid, secure employment and my colleagues and I are working hard to make sure that we provide the tools for business and investors to make this ambition a reality.”

Cllr Fielding was speaking following the submission of Greater Manchester’s local industrial strategy by the combined authority.

However, Liberal Democrat opposition leader on Oldham Council, Cllr Howard Sykes dismissed the blueprint.

He said: "It Sounds like hot air and promises of jam tomorrow. Where are the high value, high density, high skilled jobs we need.

"Sounds like fancy warehousing, low density employment to me, which is the secret agenda for Greater Manchester for us at the north of the conurbation.

"It's just mood music to justify ripping up vast tracks of our green spaces and green belt."

The strategy states: “Logistics centres will sit alongside advanced manufacturing, advanced materials production, renewables and green technologies.

“This area has already been identified by government as a ‘High Potential Opportunity’ pilot area for developing and scaling up production of lightweight and specialist materials for the transport sector, particularly light alloys, technical textiles, coatings, graphene and 2D materials, and materials for demanding environments.”

Under the plans, part of the growth corridor would become a new ‘Advanced Materials City’, potentially becoming Britain’s manufacturing answer to Silicon Valley. Industry would be encouraged to work closely with universities, colleges and schools to further the development.