£13m Funding Secured For Northern Roots

A £13m project will bring a new cafe, visitor centre and ‘forestry hub’ to the heart of Oldham. Oldham Council will start constructing the brand new centre at the Northern Roots site next to Alexandra Park.

Using £12.9m from the government’s Town Deal and Levelling Up Fund, the centre will feature a dining space, production kitchen, exhibition and performance space as well as classrooms to teach a range of agricultural and forestry qualifications. 

The plans also include a car park and an outdoor amphitheatre. 

The new site will be set in the middle of the Northern Roots project, which aims to transform 160 acres of green space into an urban farm and ‘eco-park’. Part of the project, which started in 2023, is already complete. 

A community garden, woodworking sheds, composting projects and wildflower meadows already form a part of the space, which also hosts community events and volunteering opportunities for local residents. 

The works are being carried out by Oldham-based construction firm Wilmott Dixon, with the centre expected to open by summer 2026. 

Oldham council boss 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, added the construction of the visitor’s centre was a ‘really exciting moment and a key step in unlocking the potential of the Northern Roots site’.

The construction will also support a number of new jobs in the area. Wilmott Dixon revealed they would create four new positions to undertake the project, and planned to support 10 previously unemployed Oldham residents in gaining employment. 

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.”
Northern Roots will remain open to the public during the construction period.