Northern Roots is an Oldham Council project to turn 160 acres of green space in the town Oldham into the UK’s largest urban farm and eco-park. The first phase was established in 2023.
Set in the woodland at the northern end of the site, the Visitor Centre will have a café, shop, kitchen, exhibition and performance space, as well as learning and meeting facilities.
The development includes a Forestry Skills Centre, which will offer vocational training opportunities linked to technical and land-based skills and qualifications.
The council has secured £12.9m from the national government’s Town Deal and Levelling Up Fund Round 2 to deliver this next phase.
Future plans for the site include a solar array, play areas, wild play and mountain biking facilities, and additional community growing spaces.
Willmott Dixon’s team is now on site setting up the compound. The first stage of works will be preparing the site to allow main works to start. The Visitor Centre set to open in summer 2026
Michael Poole-Sutherland, Willmott Dixon northwest regional director, said: “We are really excited to be playing our part in shaping this invaluable community space, working in partnership with Oldham Council once again.”
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.”
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