£12.9 million investment for Oldham in UK’s largest urban farm

MCRJourno

Oldham’s green future is growing as work begins on the Northern Roots Visitor and Forestry Skills Centre.

A major new chapter in Oldham’s regeneration story has begun as construction kicks off on a Visitor Centre and Forestry Skills Centre at Northern Roots - the UK’s largest urban farm and eco-park.

Located on a stunning 160-acre green space just minutes from Oldham town centre - Northern Roots is a project designed to connect people with nature, skills, and opportunity.

Backed by £12.9 million in funding from the Town Deal and Levelling Up Fund this next phase brings the council’s ‘Green and Growing’ vision to life.

The Visitor Centre will sit in the woodland at the northern end of the site and include a café, shop, exhibition and performance space, kitchen, and learning facilities.

Alongside it, the Forestry Skills Centre will offer vocational training in green and land-based industries - opening doors to new careers for local residents.

To date Northern Roots has already made a big impact: over 80 volunteering opportunities, 600+ youth activities, 2,000 trees planted, and a thriving community garden.

Future site plans include play areas, a solar array, wild play zones, a mountain biking trail, and more community growing spaces.

Leader of Oldham Council Cllr Arooj Shah said: "Northern Roots is a game-changing project for Oldham. We’re creating a space for learning, wellbeing, and green innovation – something that will benefit generations."

The build is being delivered by Oldham-based firm Willmott Dixon who are also supporting local jobs, training and community engagement through the project.

The site remains open to the public throughout the works with the Visitor Centre set to open in summer 2026.