Oldham’s new Forestry Skills Centre hits major construction landmark

Construction of the new Forestry Skills Centre at Oldham’s Northern Roots has reached an exciting landmark, as Leader of Oldham Council Cllr Arooj Shah joined dignitaries, the Northern Roots charity and partners to sign a key structural steel beam on the new build.

The steel signing ceremony marked a significant step forward in building the Forestry Skills Centre, which is being built alongside a new Visitor Centre.

The Forestry Skills Centre will provide technical and land-based training, helping residents gain valuable qualifications in sustainable industries, including landscape management and crop growing.

The nearby Visitor Centre, which is also under construction with the timber frame completed, will include a café, shop, production kitchen, and two multi-functional spaces for school visits, meetings, performances and exhibitions.

Bosses say these new facilities will provide lots of opportunities for local residents, from showcasing the work of local artists, to hosting celebrations and supporting schools with learning programmes around local heritage, food and nature. The café and shop will showcase and sell fresh, organic produce grown on the neighbouring urban farm.

Together, these facilities are a key part of the transformational Northern Roots project, which will see 160 acres of green space in the heart of Oldham developed into the UK’s largest urban farm and eco-park.

Cllr Arooj Shah, Leader of Oldham Council, said: “Today’s steel signing isn’t just about marking a milestone in construction. It’s about celebrating the incredible progress being made at Northern Roots.  This project is so unique, and it’s inspiring to see it taking shape here in Oldham.

“Northern Roots are already creating opportunities for our residents, bringing new visitors to our town, and the new centres will put Oldham on the map as a place leading the way in sustainability and green skills. These buildings will provide even more facilities for residents to use and benefit from.

“I’m proud that together we’re building something that will benefit our communities for generations to come.”

Anna da Silva, Northern Roots charity Chief Executive added: “After so much hard work and determination, it’s inspiring to see our new buildings emerging from the mud.

“With the support of Oldham Council, and all of our funders and partners, we are pioneering a new approach to harnessing urban greenspace, unlocking these often overlooked spaces to become valuable places for people and nature, alleviating pressures on local services and driving economic growth.

“These new buildings will be critical to unleashing the potential of the beautiful Northern Roots site.”

With the steel frame now in place, both the Forestry Skills Centre and Visitor Centre, continue to move forward with an expected open date of Summer 2026.