Top 10 investable I&L projects: Ashton Moss Innovation Park Manchester, UK
Project overview
Ashton Moss Innovation Park is a significant new hub for advanced manufacturing and innovation in Greater Manchester. Anchored in Tameside’s strong advanced manufacturing cluster, the development is designed to provide high-quality “move-on and scale-up” space for SMEs, supported by links to higher education and research institutions.
The project covers both Ashton Moss East and West, with capacity for up to 130,000 sq m of employment and manufacturing space. Strategically located near Ashton-under-Lyne town centre, next to the M60 motorway and served by a dedicated Metrolink tram stop, the site offers exceptional connectivity across the region and beyond.
The opportunity
The vision for Ashton Moss is to create a dynamic and sustainable innovation park that becomes a hub for business growth, technology transfer and economic opportunity. The first phase, Ashton Moss East, will deliver 30,000 sq m of advanced manufacturing and employment space, with construction forecast to begin in 2027. The wider masterplan will include a further 100,000 sq m for occupiers in high-value manufacturing and research-driven sectors.
The site’s proximity to major transport infrastructure and higher education institutions makes it particularly attractive for companies seeking to access specialist talent, collaborate on innovation and scale their operations in a purpose-built environment.
The financials
Opportunities are available for occupiers and investors to participate in the initial 30,000 sq m scheme, with further phases to follow. The site forms part of the Ashton Mayoral Development Zone, a special-purpose vehicle designed to accelerate delivery and create a favourable framework for investment. Public sector leadership and infrastructure support further reduce delivery risks and underpin long-term asset value.
Project sponsor
Ashton Moss Innovation Park is led by Tameside Council in partnership with urban regeneration specialist Muse Developments. This collaboration combines strong local authority leadership with private-sector delivery expertise, ensuring both political support and commercial rigour in the project’s execution.
Significance
The project is central to Greater Manchester’s strategy for economic growth, innovation and sustainability. It will create a hub for advanced manufacturing, stimulate job creation and attract a skilled workforce to Tameside.
By strengthening links with universities and research centres, Ashton Moss will accelerate technology adoption, support SME growth and reinforce the city region’s reputation as a leader in advanced industry.
The pitch
Ashton Moss Innovation Park represents one of the most significant new industrial and innovation opportunities in Greater Manchester. With 130,000 sq m of development capacity, outstanding transport connectivity and backing from both local government and an experienced private-sector partner, it offers investors and occupiers a unique platform for growth.
The first phase at Ashton Moss East will set the tone for a wider campus that combines advanced manufacturing, R&D and SME scale-up space, directly aligned with the needs of high-growth industries. For investors, developers and occupiers alike, Ashton Moss offers a rare opportunity to help shape a purpose-built innovation district at the heart of one of the UK’s most dynamic regional economies.
