GROWTH and development are rife, with £260m investment plans going ahead in Bolton and development in Stockport, Rochdale and Ashton-Under-Lyne.

Research by global property consultancy Knight Frank has shown that Bolton is still attracting commercial property investors. The planned £50m Waters Meeting office and industrial site, being developed by B&E Boys, is expected to create around 1,000 new jobs - while plans for the town centre include a £210m mixed-use scheme by Ask Developments and Bluemantle.

Stockport is to be home to a new business park and £100m leisure development, incorporating a revamp of the town's Grand Central complex. There is good news elsewhere as Marple Memorial Park wins a building conservation award - and the market hall is to be restored with £1m of Heritage Lottery money, added to £720,000 from the council.

Rochdale is attracting big new occupiers, with JJB Sports and Dave Murray Horse Boxes to set up base at SEGRO's Heywood Distribution Park; and the town centre to be regenerated by a £250m scheme.

Ashton-Under-Lyme will see a 'knowledge mill' created on Stamford Street West, featuring 113 new business suites set within two blocks, as part of a £42m project.