Steel signing marks major milestone at Northern Roots

Construction of the new Forestry Skills Centre at Northern Roots reached an exciting landmark recently, 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 huge 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. 

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.  

In addition, residents will be able to enjoy the café and shop on site, which will showcase and sell fresh, organic produce grown on the neighbouring Urban Farm.  

Together, these landmark 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. 

Delivered by Oldham Council with £12.9 million support from the Local Regeneration Fund Funded by Central Government, the construction of these key buildings at Northern Roots will bring long-term benefits to the borough – boosting skills, jobs, tourism, and the local economy. 

Led by construction partners Willmott Dixon, the build is already providing employment and training opportunities for local people. 

Eight Oldham residents are currently working on the project, which includes five new roles for previously unemployed local people. 

The company recently delivered a Building Lives Academy, a bespoke training programme which provided seven unemployed Oldham residents with employability support, mentorship and work experience. Following this, two participants gained employment on the Northern Roots scheme. 

Willmott Dixon have also volunteered 168 hours with the Northern Roots charity and the Salvation Army, with further community engagement planned with schools and colleges as the build progresses. 

More than £41,500 has been spent with social enterprises, while 100 per cent of staff are paid the Real Living Wage, ensuring the project delivers genuine value for the community. 

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 at pace, with an expected open date of Summer 2026. 

Michael Poole-Sutherland, North West director at Willmott Dixon, said: "We’re delighted to celebrate this significant milestone at Northern Roots alongside our partner Oldham Council. 

“As an Oldham based business, we’re proud to be playing our part in delivering such an invaluable community space that will benefit communities for many generations to come. 

“Alongside our valued supply chain partners, our team have made fantastic progress so far and we're looking forward with excitement at the great work to come.” 

Cllr Abdul Jabbar, Chair of the Northern Roots Board, said: “This is a proud moment for everyone involved in Northern Roots. Seeing the steel go up is a visible sign of years of hard work and partnerships coming to life. 

“Northern Roots is such a special project and one that brings together community, nature and opportunity in a way that’s unique to Oldham. 

“I’m delighted to see the vision becoming a reality and to know it will create lasting benefits for local people and the environment.” 

Northern Roots is already a thriving destination, offering a wide range of events and activities for all ages, Urban Farm produce sales, volunteering opportunities, and a pioneering Natural Health Service. 

To find out more, visit www.northern-roots.uk.