Coogan's regeneration role a coup, mayor says

Appointing comedian and actor Steve Coogan to lead the regeneration of his home town of Middleton is a major "coup" for Greater Manchester, the region's mayor has said.

Coogan and Rose Marley, the chief executive of Co-operatives UK, have been named as co-chairs of the Middleton Development Corporation (MDC), a body given extra powers to speed up development and attract investment for the area.

Explaining the choice of Coogan, mayor Andy Burnham said: "He is one of the most successful business people in the country."

Coogan, 59, most famously the creator of spoof TV presenter Alan Partridge, grew up in Middleton and said he wanted to "put back into a community that was very good to me".

Burnham told BBC Radio Manchester: "He is one of the cleverest, most creative people there is and he is from Middleton.

"He is passionate about the place and wants to bring all of his ingenuity to rethinking the town.

"In my view it is a coup to have both Rose and someone of Steve's stature willing to devote their time to bringing their home town forward.

"I am so grateful to them both."

The Academy Award-nominated and Bafta-winning star Coogan will work with Rochdale Council on proposals including restoring Middleton Arena, regenerating the town gardens and bringing the Metrolink tram network to the town.

His appointment was announced alongside five other MDCs, which are designed to boost growth in the city region.

A Greater Manchester Combined Authority spokesman said the projects would create tens of thousands of new jobs and deliver thousands of new homes, as well as new manufacturing sites and commercial spaces.

Marley has been chief executive officer of Co-operatives UK for four years.

Her Manchester-based social enterprise SharpFutures supports diverse, young talent into creative, digital and tech industries.

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