Willmott Dixon has been appointed by Oldham Council to deliver a landmark Visitor Centre and Forestry Skills Centre at Northern Roots, a project set to transform 160 acres of urban green space into the UK’s largest urban farm and eco-park.
This initiative is a key component of Oldham’s ‘Green and Growing’ priority, which seeks to revitalise underused land for the benefit of the environment and local communities.
The council has secured £12.9 million (AU$26.7 million)from the national government’s Town Deal and Levelling Up Fund Round 2 to advance this significant phase of the project.
The Visitor Centre, designed by JM Architects, will be nestled in woodland at the northern end of the site.
It will feature a café, shop, production kitchen, exhibition and performance spaces, as well as learning and meeting areas.
Alongside, the Forestry Skills Centre will offer vocational learning opportunities, focusing on technical and land-based skills and qualifications for local residents.
Since 2023, the Northern Roots project has already made strides in enhancing local biodiversity, including the planting of 2,000 trees, the creation of six ponds, and the establishment of a community garden and wildflower meadow.
The Visitor Centre will also be complemented by new car parking, access improvements, an outdoor amphitheatre, and landscaping.
Cllr Arooj Shah, Leader of Oldham Council, emphasised the project’s long-term impact: “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.”
She added: “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.”
Michael Poole-Sutherland, director for the North West at Willmott Dixon, highlighted the company’s commitment to community benefit: “As an Oldham-based business, we are excited to be shaping this invaluable community space, working in partnership with Oldham Council once again.
“In partnership with our proud local supply chain partners, 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.”
Construction is set to begin imminently, with Willmott Dixon targeting completion of the Visitor Centre by summer 2026.
The Northern Roots project is expected to serve as a model for sustainable urban regeneration, combining environmental enhancement with opportunities for education, recreation, and enterprise in Oldham and beyond.
