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The first phase of an £12.9 million attraction, set to become the UK’s biggest urban farm, is now open in Greater Manchester.

Northern Roots, a new 160-acre development in Oldham, transformed underused land next to Alexandra Park into a “landmark development” complete with Snipe Clough Farm, a four-acre urban agriculture site.

The green space officially opened on Saturday 19 September.

According to Oldham Council, the site gives people the “chance to enjoy nature closer to home, improving local health and wellbeing, supporting education, creating local jobs, and playing an important role in Oldham's ongoing regeneration”.

The project, a partnership between the Northern Roots charity and Oldham Council, plans to increase wildlife habitats by 25 per cent and store 30,000 tonnes of carbon by 2050.

The site includes a new farm-to-fork cafe, outdoor play areas, a forestry skills centre, a network of walking trails and spaces for school visits, community events and performances, following a five-year development.

Northern Roots aims to attract 300,000 annual visitors by 2030 with everything from beekeeping courses to textile classes.

Anna da Silva, chief executive of Northern Roots, said: “This project has always been about much more than creating a beautiful green space.

“We've set out to show what happens when you invest in nature as essential social infrastructure - somewhere that improves health, creates opportunities, restores biodiversity, supports local businesses and brings communities together.”

She added: “Northern Roots belongs to Oldham, but we also hope it becomes an example of what is possible for towns and cities across the UK.”

The site will open under normal operating hours – 9am to 4pm, Thursday to Sunday – from 24 September.

Shelley Kipling, chief executive at Oldham Council, said: “What has been achieved here is truly remarkable. Transforming former industrial land into a vibrant green space that people can enjoy, learn from and benefit from is something that will make a lasting difference to people's lives.”

“Oldham is one of the greenest boroughs in the region, and we want people to enjoy the benefits of having such a fantastic green space on the doorstep. This is a landmark moment for Oldham that complements the wider regeneration of our borough,” he said.

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