Work on Oldham's first large-scale solar farm is nearing completion, with the site expected to begin generating electricity soon. Wrigley Head Solar Farm is being built on council-owned land near Failsworth Metrolink stop.

The land was previously unsuitable for housing or other development because of its history and ground conditions, and parts of the site had become a dumping ground. The project has cleared and improved the land, giving it a new purpose.

Once operational, the solar farm will generate up to 888kW of renewable electricity, producing around 830,000 kWh each year, enough to power around 310 homes. The electricity will pass through a transformer before being exported to the local electricity network, generating income for the council.

James Kington, Director of Growth at Oldham Council, said the project was giving land that could not be used for housing a new purpose while generating clean energy and improving the site at the same time. He said it was also helping local young people learn about the growing green energy sector and the jobs it can offer.

The solar farm is being delivered by North West-based contractor Vital Energi and is the council's first major local energy generation project.

The project has already created opportunities for young people in the borough. A student from Oldham College completed a week-long work placement on the site, and Vital Energi has delivered a session with students about the project and careers in the energy sector.

Work is also being carried out to improve the ecology of the site, which forms part of the Moston Brook Green Corridor. New planting will help create better habitats for wildlife, and fencing has been designed to allow animals to continue moving through the area.

Wrigley Head Solar Farm is part of Oldham's Strategic Energy Programme, which aims to make the borough more self-sufficient in energy while creating jobs, skills and economic opportunities for local people.