Oldham is set to welcome a new £13m development, including a cafe, visitor centre, and 'forestry hub' at the Northern Roots site adjacent to Alexandra Park. The project, funded by £12.9m from the government's Town Deal and Levelling Up Fund, will offer amenities such as a dining area, production kitchen, exhibition and performance space, and classrooms for agricultural and forestry education.
Additional features of the plan include a car park and an outdoor amphitheatre, all within the Northern Roots initiative, which seeks to convert 160 acres of greenery into an urban farm and 'eco-park'. Under way since 2023, parts of the project are complete, with a community garden, woodworking sheds, composting projects, and wildflower meadows in place, alongside events and volunteering opportunities for the community.
Local construction firm Wilmott Dixon is carrying out the works, with the centre's opening anticipated by summer 2026.
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Council leader 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.
"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."
Northern Roots CEO, Anna da Silva, expressed enthusiasm about the visitor centre, describing it as a "really exciting moment and a key step in unlocking the potential of the Northern Roots site".
The development is also set to bolster local employment opportunities. Willmott Dixon announced their intention to create four new roles specifically for this project, with plans to assist 10 jobless Oldham residents in finding work.
Michael Poole-Sutherland, director for the North West at Willmott Dixon, said: "As an Oldham-based business we are really excited to be playing our part in shaping this invaluable community space.
"We are committed to creating four new employment opportunities directly on the project. Through our bespoke 'Building Lives Academy' pre-employability programme, we will support 10 previously unemployed Oldham residents with qualifications, skills and work experience."