This year, visitors to the Northern Roots site will see the beginning of a programme of work that will transform the Northern Roots site for everyone.
Visitor Centre and Forestry Skills Centre
Set on the edge of woodland at the northern end of the site, looking out across the Phase 2 Urban Farm towards Hartshead Pike, the Visitor Centre will include a café, shop, production kitchen, and two multi-functional spaces for school visits, meetings, performances and exhibitions.
These new facilities will provide a wealth of opportunities, from showcasing the work of artists and makers, to hosting celebrations, to supporting schools with a curriculum-based learning programme around local heritage, food and nature. The café and shop will showcase the fresh, organic produce grown on the neighbouring Urban Farm.
The Forestry Skills Centre will provide office space for the Northern Roots team and include two workshops and classroom facilities which can support technical training courses and qualifications in sustainable industries, including arboriculture, landscape management, and horticulture.
The construction of the Visitor Centre and Forestry Skills Centre is being managed by Oldham Council, with funding from the Towns Fund and the Levelling Up Fund. The buildings will open in summer 2026.
Urban Farm
Northern Roots established the first phase of the Urban Farm in 2023. The charity is currently developing the second phase, which will expand the Urban Farm by a further four acres on the field directly in front of the Visitor Centre. It will enable Northern Roots to showcase upscaled urban and regenerative farming techniques with a focus on providing healthy, locally grown food.
Future developments
Northern Roots is a long-term project, that will evolve across the next five to ten years as funding permits. Over the coming years, Northern Roots has plans to create a solar array, sports pitches, cycle and equestrian routes, play facilities, further spaces for learning, performance and wellbeing, and a swimming pond.
The charity will nurture a thriving community of small businesses to take root on the site. Together we will co-create a rich programme of sporting and cultural events, and deliver a variety of growing, creative, educational and therapeutic activities.