The Visitor Centre is slated for completion by summer 2026.
The council has secured £12.9 million ($17.1 million) from the UK government’s Town Deal and Levelling Up Fund Round 2 to support this phase of the Northern Roots project. The Visitor Centre, located in the woodland at the northern end of the site, will feature a café, shop, production kitchen, exhibition and performance spaces, and areas for learning and meetings. The Forestry Skills Centre will provide vocational training in technical and land-based skills for local residents.
Since 2023, Northern Roots has enhanced biodiversity by planting 2,000 trees, creating six ponds, and establishing a community garden and wildflower meadow. The broader project includes additional developments such as car parking, access improvements, an outdoor amphitheatre, and landscaping. Willmott Dixon aims to complete the Visitor Centre by summer 2026.
Oldham Council leader and councillor Arooj Shah stated: “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.”
Michael Poole-Sutherland, Willmott Dixon’s director for the North West, added: “As an Oldham-based business we are excited to be shaping this invaluable community space, working in partnership with Oldham Council once again. Through our bespoke ‘Building Lives Academy’ pre-employability programme, we will support 10 previously unemployed Oldham residents with qualifications, skills and work experience.”
The project is expected to create four new direct employment opportunities and engage local supply chain partners. Recently, Willmott Dixon, in collaboration with real estate developer Milligan, was also selected by Dover District Council to lead a regeneration initiative to modernize Dover’s town centre, further demonstrating its commitment to community-focused development.
Northern Roots aims to establish Oldham as a leader in sustainable innovation, fostering education, recreation, and economic opportunities while enhancing the local environment.
