Spades in the ground at Northern Roots as construction begins on Oldham’s flagship eco project
Construction has begun on the Visitor Centre and Forestry Skills Centre at Northern Roots, Oldham's flagship eco project, marking a significant milestone in the £12.9 million masterplan to develop the UK's largest urban farm and eco-park. The project, supported by Oldham Council and government funds, aims to boost skills, jobs, tourism, biodiversity, and the local economy, with immediate benefits including employment and training opportunities for residents.
Construction Begins on £12.9M Northern Roots Visitor and Forestry Skills Centres
Construction has officially commenced on the new Visitor Centre and Forestry Skills Centre at Northern Roots, marking a major milestone in the £12.9 million project to transform 160 acres of green space in Oldham into the UK’s largest urban farm and eco-park.
Council leaders, Northern Roots charity representatives and project partners gathered at the site to celebrate the start of building work, which is being delivered by Oldham Council with support from the Government’s Town Deal Fund and Levelling Up Fund Round 2. The development, led by contractor Willmott Dixon, is already creating local employment opportunities with four new jobs and support for 10 unemployed residents through the ‘Building Lives Academy’ programme.
The Visitor Centre will feature a café, shop, production kitchen, performance and exhibition space, plus classrooms and meeting rooms. The Forestry Skills Centre will provide technical and land-based training, equipping residents with qualifications for sustainable industries. Staff at Willmott Dixon have already contributed 115 volunteer hours to the Northern Roots charity and Salvation Army.
Cllr Arooj Shah, Leader of Oldham Council, said: “Northern Roots is an ambitious project that reflects our commitment to Oldham’s future. It brings together some really important themes of nature, learning and community. We’re not just building new facilities, we’re building careers, raising aspirations, and putting Oldham on the map as a leader in green innovation.”
Over the past two years, the Northern Roots charity has established the first phase of the Urban Farm, delivered programmes for more than 6,000 people, and created habitats including 2,000 new trees, six ponds, a community garden and wildflower meadow. The Visitor Centre is expected to open in summer 2026, with the site remaining open to visitors throughout construction.
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