In 2002 local people from various voluntary groups began working together in association with Rochdale Metropolitan Borough Council to form an organisation that would be able to get funding in its own right.

By March 2003 the MoorEnd Development Trust Limited had been set up.

It formalises the means by which local people can work in partnership, as groups working together can achieve more than by working independently of each other.

The company adopted the principles of the Development Trusts Association. (DTA)

* Community ownership to ensure sustainability.
* Openness and accountability.
* Democratic principles.
* People before profit.

In 2005 the company became a member of the DTA.

In 2006 the company became a registered charity.

Charity number 1115997