McLaughlin to head up Ashton Mayoral Zone
Deborah McLaughlin is charged with raising the zone’s profile after her appointment was finalised by the Greater Manchester Combined Authority and Tameside Council.
She rose to regional prominence following spells as director of housing at Manchester City Council and as regional director at Homes England.
More recently, she was one of the government-appointed commissioners installed at Liverpool City Council to oversee its recovery following the Max Caller report.
The Ashton Mayoral Development Zone (AMDZ) was officially launched at UKREiiF in May 2024 by GMCA Mayor Andy Burnham.
Focusing on three key sites, the zone was created to bring jobs, housing, and improved public realms to Tameside.
The three development sites are Ashton Moss, St Petersfield, and Ashton town centre. They are collectively known as the Ashton Growth Corridor.
Ashton town centre was awarded £20m from the Conservative government’s levelling up fund in 2022, and plans for the £11m modernisation of Ashton Market Square were approved in 2023.
In St Petersfield, a £100m mixed-use scheme is due to go out to tender later this year.
Ashton Moss is primed for a 1.7m sq ft employment site under the Places for Everyone joint plan.
McLaughlin said: “I’m excited to collaborate with the council, GMCA, Homes England, and other stakeholders to advance the vision for the Ashton Mayoral Development Zone.
“This initiative will generate over 10,000 jobs, create 1,500 homes, and provide [2m sq ft] of employment space across key development sites, driving economic growth for Tameside and beyond.
“Ashton represents exceptional investment opportunities for potential partners and investors, fostering innovation in key sectors and offering a fantastic place to live, work, and learn.”
Andy Burnham added: “Deborah will be a champion for regeneration in Ashton and a strong addition to the MDZ.
“Her experience at Homes England will be a major asset as we drive forward our vision for delivering new homes, good jobs, and a thriving town centre in Ashton – helping to boost growth across the whole of Greater Manchester.”
