Willmott Dixon, a contracting and interior fit-out group, has been selected by Oldham Council to undertake the construction of a new Visitor Centre and Forestry Skills Centre at Northern Roots, stated to become the UK’s “largest” urban farm and eco-park.
This initiative is a component of Oldham’s ‘Green and Growing’ priority, aiming to transform 160 acres of local green space.
The council has secured £12.9m ($17.1m) from the national government’s Town Deal and Levelling Up Fund Round 2 to advance this key phase of the project.
The Visitor Centre, nestled in the woodland at the northern end of the site, will provide an array of facilities including a café, shop, production kitchen, and spaces for exhibitions and performances, as well as learning and meeting areas.
The Forestry Skills Centre is designed to offer vocational learning opportunities to residents, focusing on technical and land-based skills and qualifications.
Since 2023, efforts to enhance local biodiversity have included the planting of 2,000 trees and the creation of six ponds, in addition to establishing a community garden and a wildflower meadow.
The Visitor Centre is a move forward for the Northern Roots project, which also encompasses the creation of car parking, access improvements, an outdoor amphitheatre, and landscaping.
Willmott Dixon has set a target to complete the Visitor Centre by summer 2026.
Oldham Council leader and councillor 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.”
Willmott Dixon director for the North West Michael Poole-Sutherland said: “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.”
