# Middleton’s regeneration plan aims to revive town centre and inspire others

- URL: https://talkfuse.com/story/how-middletons-revival-could-be-grist-to-the-mill-for-britains-struggling-towns/
- Published: 2026-10-22T11:22:03+00:00
- Updated: 2026-10-22T11:33:10+00:00
- Original publisher: The Guardian (publisher lean: Left)
- Original article: https://www.theguardian.com/money/2026/oct/22/middleton-revival-mill-towns-steve-coogan-manchester
- Topics: Business, Celebrity, Entertainment, Football, Sport, UK, World

## Key points

- Middleton is starting a locally shaped regeneration effort.
- The plan includes 1,500 new homes and lower business rates.
- Warwick Mill is among the first sites targeted for renewal.

## Summary

Middleton, a town of about 50,000 near Manchester, has lost many of its shops and services as residents turn to online and out-of-town shopping. A new mayoral development corporation, launched by Andy Burnham and chaired by actor Steve Coogan, aims to revive the town and offer a model for other struggling places.

The plan gives local leaders powers to set lower business rates, acquire underused property and build 1,500 homes. Residents and businesses are helping shape its priorities, including the redevelopment of Warwick Mill, a Grade II-listed former cotton mill recently taken over by Rochdale council after years of neglect. Coogan says the project also seeks to address the economic decline and political disaffection seen in post-industrial communities.

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Summarised by TalkFuse (https://talkfuse.com/). Quote the original publisher for the reporting and link this page for the summary and discussion.