Northern Roots: Oldham’s urban farm and eco-park officially opens first phase

A major project to create the UK’s largest urban farm and eco park in Oldham has officially opened its first phase.

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.

Delivered through a partnership between the Northern Roots charity and Oldham Council, the new development seeks to improve local health and wellbeing, support education, create local jobs, and play an important role in Oldham’s ongoing regeneration.

As part of the transformation, visitors can experience a new Welcome Building, cafe, Forestry Skills Centre, Urban Farm, and an expanding network of trails, orchards, woodland and wetlands. Looking forward, the site will host a year-round programme of events, volunteering opportunities, educational activities and wellbeing initiatives. Families can also enjoy an outdoor play area designed to encourage children to explore, play and connect with nature.

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, including increasing wildlife habitats by 25 per cent, generating clean renewable energy, and storing 30,000 tonnes of carbon by 2050.

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.

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.

Shelley Kipling, Chief Executive at Oldham Council, said: “What has been achieved here is truly remarkable. Transforming former industrial land into a vibrant green space that people can enjoy, learn from and benefit from is something that will make a lasting difference to people’s lives.

“Northern Roots will give our residents new opportunities to connect with nature, improve their wellbeing, learn new skills and spend time with their family and friends.

“Oldham is one of the greenest boroughs in the region, and we want people to enjoy the benefits of having such a fantastic green space on the doorstep. This is a landmark moment for Oldham that complements the wider regeneration of our borough.

“This is just the beginning. We can’t wait to see it continue to grow and make a real difference to our communities, bringing people together for many years to come.”

Normal operating hours will begin from Thu 24 Sep, 9am – 4pm, Thursday to Sunday.

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