Work begins on ‘UK’s largest’ urban farm and eco-park in Oldham

Oldham Council has announced that construction on a new Visitor Centre and Forestry Skills Centre at Northern Roots is set to begin.

The Northern Roots project is part of the council’s ‘Green and Growing’ priority, which will see 160 acres of green space in the heart of Oldham transformed into the ‘UK’s largest urban farm and eco-park’.

The council has secured £12.9 million from the national government’s Town Deal and Levelling Up Fund Round 2 to deliver this transformative next phase.

Set in the woodland at the northern end of the site, the Visitor Centre will feature a café, shop, production kitchen, exhibition and performance space, as well as learning and meeting facilities. Meanwhile, the Forestry Skills Centre, will provide residents with vocational learning opportunities linked to a range of technical and land-based skills and qualifications.

The council says that the Visitor Centre marks a significant step forward for the project, which also includes car parking, access improvements, an outdoor amphitheatre, and landscaping. Looking further ahead, future plans for the site include a solar array, play areas, wild play and mountain biking facilities, and additional community growing spaces.

Northern Roots established the first phase of the Urban Farm back in 2023. Over the last two years, the current site has created 80 volunteering opportunities, delivered activities for more than 600 children and young people, and engaged around 6,000 local residents through cultural and environmental activities. To date, there have been 2,000 trees planted, six ponds created to support local wildlife, and the establishment of a community garden and wildflower meadow.

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.”

Construction is being carried out by Willmott Dixon, with the Visitor Centre set to open in summer 2026. Willmott Dixon’s team are now on site – Once the compound is set up, the first stage of works will be preparing the site to allow main works to start.

While the work takes place, the Northern Roots site will remain open to visitors all year round.