Andy Burnham and Steve Coogan Launch Middleton Revitalization

Prime Minister Andy Burnham and actor Steve Coogan are leading a revitalization initiative in Middleton, a struggling town near Manchester, to reverse post-industrial neglect. The effort centers on the recovery of Warwick Mill, a Grade II-listed former cotton mill that Rochdale Council recently seized from an absentee Chinese owner. Property firm Capital & Centric is currently evaluating the cost of converting the derelict mill into a town anchor to attract further investment.

To support the recovery, Burnham established a mayoral development corporation that empowers local leaders to acquire underused land, lower business rates, and build 1,500 new homes. Coogan leads this development body alongside Rose Marley.

Beyond physical infrastructure, Coogan is part of Middleton Co-operating, a group working to bring essential services and infrastructure into public control. This includes the development of community-led banking hubs and renewable energy projects. The initiative aims to combat the rise of right-wing populism by empowering residents through local ownership rather than relying on centralized charity.