Oldham College students tour £13m Northern Roots visitor centre

Oldham College students got a rare behind-the-scenes look at the £12.9 million Northern Roots project this week, touring the construction site of what will become the UK's largest urban farm and eco-park. The visit was part of Open Doors 2026, a national campaign showcasing careers in construction, giving students direct access to the team transforming 160 acres of land in the heart of Oldham.

The students met Ryan Ormonde, senior build manager at Willmott Dixon, who shared his career journey and explained the various pathways into the construction industry. They explored the future Welcome Building site and heard from Councillor Abdul Jabbar, who encouraged them to stay focused and aim high in their career aspirations.

Construction began in June 2025, with the visitor centre and forest school scheduled to open this autumn. The project has already delivered tangible benefits to the community, with over 6,000 people participating in volunteering, wellbeing and cultural programmes over the past two years.

When complete, the Northern Roots site will feature a visitor centre with cafe, shop, production kitchen, exhibition space and learning facilities. The nearby Forestry Skills Centre will provide technical and land-based training, helping Oldham residents gain qualifications in sustainable industries. The transformation includes over 2,000 new trees, six ponds, a community garden and wildflower meadow, creating green space that will serve the entire community.