The first images of plans submitted to build the UK’s biggest urban farm and eco-park in Oldhamhave been released.
Following what was a lengthy period of public consultation events, a planning application for the new ‘Northern Roots’ project has now been submitted to Oldham Council by JDDK Architects, which – along with outline proposals for new 160-acre site – also includes some detailed design proposals for a new visitor centre and learning centre.
When complete, Northern Roots will be the UK’s largest urban farm and eco-park, and is expected to attract around 100,000 visitors each year.
Set in the heart of Oldham, developers say the project will create “a unique community and visitor destination” that offers a wide range of new facilities and activities, while also aiming to create hundreds of jobs, training, and business opportunities for local people, and support the health and wellbeing of residents.
Facilities included in the submitted plans feature a natural amphitheatre, a swimming pond, a multi-use / learning and interpretation space, a forestry depot, a community allotment, and a cafe, as well as the visitor and learning centres.
Plans have been submitted to build the UK’s biggest urban farm and eco-park in Oldham / Credit: JDDK Architects
According to JDDK Architects, plans for the Visitor Centre have been designed to “blend with the surrounding natural environment” and nestle into the woodland edge of the nearby Grade II-listed Alexandra Park, while the Learning Centre will house a reception, teaching kitchen and breakout space, staff facilities, multi faith prayer and meditation space, classrooms, toilets and a bunkhouse.
The site could host outdoor performances, weddings, festivals, workshops, and more.
Speaking on the submitted design proposals, Anna da Silva – Project Director of Northern Roots, – said: “Actively involving communities in Oldham in the design and co-creation of the proposed Visitor Centre and Learning Centre at Northern Roots has been really important [as] not only has the process been dynamic, iterative and allowed for meaningful involvement in shaping the final proposals, it will foster a sense of ownership in the community in the long term.
“These are buildings that have been shaped by people in Oldham for people in Oldham – and that is key to the overall ethos of Northern Roots.”
Northern Roots is expected to attract around 100,000 visitors each year / Credit: JDDK Architects
Funding for the Northern Roots project is is coming from the UK government’s Towns Fund – which awarded Oldham £24.4 million for four projects – as well as from outside charities, funds, and organisations.
If the plans are approved, building work could begin in late 2022.
Greater Manchester Mayors deliver update on Salford Red Devils situation
Danny Jones
Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham revealed details from the minutes of his meeting with the Rugby Football League (RFL) over the August bank holiday, sharing key updates from the crucial sit-down in hopes of securing the future of Salford Red Devils.
The Mayor and his Salford counterpart, Paul Dennett, met with chief executive Tony Sutton and other key RFL figures to discuss the ongoing crisis at Salford Red Devils, who remain on the brink of collapse.
Supporters marched on the streets of 0161’s second city in the immediate aftermath, expressing their dismay at the continuing struggles both behind the scenes and off the pitch, and Burnham was quick to call a meeting with the RFL as a result. The fans have remained in full voice throughout.
Posting a joint statement on social media, the pair wrote: “We would like to take the opportunity to thank the RFL and clubs across the Super League for their ongoing commitment to assist Salford Red Devils in fulfilling all other fixtures and get the club to the end of the season.
“Following that meeting, we have requested a meeting this Friday with the Jacobsen Management Group, the current owners, to discuss our serious concerns over the future of the club.
“The impending HMRC court hearing, the failure to meet tax obligations, the delay in payment of wages, and the lack of financial investment have resulted in a complete loss of confidence in the ownership among fans and the wider Salford and rugby community.”
Stating that “Salford Red Devils [still] face an uncertain future”, leading fan group The 1873 confessed that while it has been seen as a “welcome step”, it nevertheless “felt short of reassurance and commitment we’d hoped for.”
In short, they said: “We will no longer sit back while the club we love is reduced to a shell by those who do not speak to us, do not listen, and do not understand what Salford means.” They also called out the somewhat one foot in, one foot out ownership group and so-called current ‘stewards’ of the club directly.
You can read their response in full down below.
Yesterday’s statement from Andy Burnham & Paul Dennett is a welcome step, but not the one Salford fans wanted.
It felt short of reassurance and commitment we’d hoped for.
The future of the club and community deserves more.
Furthermore, Burnham and Dennett went on to add: “Following discussions between the parties involved, there is clear agreement that Greater Manchester Combined Authority, Salford City Council and the Rugby Football League are resolute in their commitment to safeguard the club.
“We are committed to working together to secure the long-term future of the club, to implement a city-wide rugby strategy, and to honour the generations of players, supporters, and communities who have carried its spirit through more than 150 years of rugby league.”
What about you, Salford Red Devils fans – what did you make of both statements, and how hopeful are you that the storm will clear around the club?
Plans to expand Greater Manchester’s tram network progress after £6m funding boost
Emily Sergeant
Plans for new tram and train connections across Greater Manchester have taken a big step forward after a £6m funding boost.
Last month, Mayor Andy Burnham and local council leaders pledged for 90% of people in Greater Manchester to be within a five-minute walk of a bus or tram that comes at least every 30 minutes by 2030 – and now, plans to deliver this strategy are one step closer to becoming reality thanks to significant investment.
Transport leaders have now confirmed a pipeline of ‘rapid transit’ schemes for the future.
£6 million of funding was signed-off by the Bee Network Committee earlier last week, following plans being discussed by Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA).
The work is all part of a wider plan, known as the Greater Manchester Strategy, to link every borough in Greater Manchester up the Metrolink network – with a long-term plan for major expansion of the Bee Network.
Plans to expand Greater Manchester’s tram network have progressed after a £6m funding boost / Credit: TfGM
Some of the major projects this £6m funding will pay for advancing planning towards include finalising strategies for extending the Metrolink to Stockport from East Didsbury this autumn, with construction to begin in 2030, and beginning strategy work on the completion of the Metrolink Airport Line ‘Western Leg’ – which would serve a number of ‘key growth areas’ at the Airport, Wythenshawe Hospital, and Davenport Green.
Another important project the funding will go towards is the preparation of the Strategic Outline Case for expanding Metrolink connections to Salford Crescent and Salford Quays, and out to the north west of the region – including potential options for links to Leigh, Wigan, and Bolton.
Work will also continue on plans for an Oldham-Rochdale-Heywood-Bury tram-train route too – with Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) says its leaders are aiming for construction on the scheme to begin in 2028.
Mayor Andy Burnham says the funding with help connect all 10 boroughs to the Metrolink / Credit: TfGM
“This latest funding means we can develop the case for a pipeline of both tram and tram-train new lines and extensions – and ultimately underground infrastructure in the city centre – to make sure we get a public transport system befitting the global city region we are.”
Emily Sergeant -
18th May 2022 
