Willmott Dixon has been chosen by Oldham Council to build a new Visitor Centre and Forestry Skills Centre at Northern Roots, the UK’s largest urban farm and eco-park.
This is a key element of the project to transform 160 acres of green space in the heart of Oldham as part of the council’s ‘Green and Growing’ priority. The council has secured £12.9 million from the national government’s Town Deal and Levelling Up Fund Round 2 to deliver this transformative next phase.
Set in the woodland at the northern end of the site, the Visitor Centre will feature a café, shop, production kitchen, exhibition and performance space, as well as learning and meeting facilities. Meanwhile, the Forestry Skills Centre, will provide residents with vocational learning opportunities linked to a range of technical and land-based skills and qualifications.
Since 2023, 2,000 trees have been planted and six ponds created to support local wildlife on the Urban Farm, alongside a community garden and wildflower meadow. The Visitor Centre marks a significant step forward for the project, which also includes car parking, access improvements, an outdoor amphitheatre, and landscaping.
Willmott Dixon aims to complete the Visitor Centre in summer 2026. Michael Poole-Sutherland, director for the North West at Willmott Dixon, 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.
“We will continue to work with local schools and colleges through site visits, industry workshops and employability sessions. To date, our project team have also volunteered more than 115 hours supporting Oldham people, including with The Salvation Army and the Northern Roots charity.”
Natalie Palframan, Key Account Manager (North) at Procure Partnerships: "We’re proud to have supported Oldham Council in the procurement of this transformative project. Northern Roots is a brilliant example of how sustainable infrastructure can be delivered hand-in-hand with real social value, from upskilling local people and creating employment opportunities, to supporting long-term placemaking and environmental regeneration. We’re proud to be playing a small part in helping local authorities like Oldham Council drive forward high-impact projects that deliver for both people and place.”
