Construction on a new Visitor Centre and Forestry Skills Centre at Northern Roots in Oldham has begun, which forms a key part of a project to transform 160 acres of green space in the Greater Manchester area into the UK’s largest urban farm and eco-park. In 2023, Northern Roots established the first phase of the Urban Farm, and now the next phase is underway after Oldham Council secured £12.9 million from the national government’s Town Deal and Levelling Up Fund Round 2 to carry out the work.
Northern Roots is located adjacent to Oldham’s Alexandra Park and extends down to Bankfield Clough, where it looks out onto the foothills of the Peak District. The second phase of the Urban Farm aims to become a showcase for different regenerative farming practices, including agro-forestry and alley cropping, fruit, vegetable and flower growing, hydroponics and aquaponics, livestock such as chickens and bees, sustainable drainage and water management and hedge laying techniques.
Set in the woodland at the northern end of the Northern Roots site in Oldham, the Visitor Centre will feature a café, shop, production kitchen, exhibition and performance space, as well as learning and meeting facilities. The Visitor Centre marks a significant step forward for the project, which also includes car parking, access improvements, an outdoor amphitheatre, and landscaping.
Meanwhile, the Forestry Skills Centre, will provide residents with vocational learning opportunities linked to a range of technical and land-based skills and qualifications. Looking ahead, future plans for the site include a solar array, play areas, wild play and mountain biking facilities, and additional community growing spaces.
Leader of Oldham Council, Cllr Arooj Shah, said: “Northern Roots is a ground-breaking project that will benefit our communities for generations to come – a place where nature, learning, and opportunity come together. Oldham Council is proud to be driving this project in partnership with Northern Roots, creating a thriving space for education, recreation, and enterprise, showcasing Oldham as a leader in green innovation.
“The Visitor Centre will provide our residents with skills, support opportunities for businesses, and enhance the local environment. It’s a win-win for our borough.”
Over the last two years, the current Northern Roots site has created 80 volunteering opportunities, delivered activities for more than 600 children and young people, and engaged around 6,000 local residents through cultural and environmental activities. And to date, there have been 2,000 trees planted, six ponds created to support local wildlife, and the establishment of a community garden and wildflower meadow.
Construction is being carried out by Willmott Dixon, with the Visitor Centre set to open in summer 2026. While the work takes place, the Northern Roots site remains open to visitors all year round. To find out more about Northern Roots in Oldham, head to the website here.