A major project that will see the UK’s largest urban farm and eco park in Oldham has hit a big milestone.
Oldham Council and local charity Northern Roots have announced that they have officially taken handover of the site’s new Welcome Building and Forestry Skills Centre.
Five years in the making, Northern Roots is one of the most ambitious projects of its kind in the UK, transforming 160-acres of underused land next to Alexandra Park into. a landmark destination for nature, health, learning, enterprise and community activity.
At the heart of the site is the new Welcome Centre, which features a café, shop and production kitchen, creating a vibrant hub for visitors. The building also includes two flexible spaces for school visits, community events, meetings, exhibitions and performances.
When the site opens, visitors will be able to enjoy an expanding network of accessible green spaces, orchards, community gardens, food-growing areas and nature-rich landscapes. A year-round programme of events, volunteering opportunities, educational activities and wellbeing initiatives will also help people connect with nature in new ways.
By 2030, Northern Roots aims to welcome up to 300,000 visitors each year, host 4,500 school visits annually and deliver more than 300 nature-based ‘health prescriptions’ every year. The project also plans to create 150 volunteering placements, alongside training, apprenticeship and employment opportunities for local residents.
The development is expected to support up to 40 new businesses and help create between 60 and 80 jobs, while also delivering significant environmental benefits. These include a new woodland and wetland habitat, renewable energy generation and the storage of tens of thousands of tonnes of carbon.
It was recently revealed that acclaimed Manchester chef, food writer and restaurateur Mary-Ellen McTague has also joined Northern Roots as its new chef partner. She will lead menu development for the new farm-to-fork food destination and support recruitment for key café roles, including head chef. Visitors will be able to see fruit, vegetables and herbs grown on the Urban Farm before being transformed into fresh meals just metres away.
Families will also be able to enjoy an outdoor play area designed to encourage children to explore, play and connect with nature.
The new Forestry Skills Centre will provide specialist training in sustainable industries, including landscape management and crop growing. The facility will help local people gain qualifications, develop practical skills and access future employment opportunities, supporting the growth of a greener local economy.
ames Kington, Director of Growth at Oldham Council said: “This is an exciting milestone for both the project and for Oldham. These fantastic new facilities bring us one step closer to welcoming local residents and visitors from other communities across Oldham and further afield, to showcase everything the site has to offer.
“Whether you’re visiting with family for a day out, enjoying the outdoor play area, learning new skills, attending an event, exploring nature or sampling fresh produce grown on site, Northern Roots will offer something for everyone.
“Together with Alexandra Park next door, it will create one of the borough’s most exciting green destinations, attracting visitors, supporting jobs and helping more people connect with nature.”
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- Words:
- Bradley Lengden
- Published on:
- Thu 17 Jul 2025
