More than 12,000 people have visited the new Northern Roots urban farm in Oldham, with some travelling from as far away as Glasgow, according to a charity boss. The first phase of the £12.9m development next to Alexandra Park officially opened earlier this month.
Covering around 160 acres to the south of Oldham town centre, the site is described as the UK's largest urban farm and eco-park. It spans Snipe Clough Farm, outdoor play areas, a forestry skills centre, walking trails, orchards, woodlands, wetlands, and a farm-to-fork café.
Premises licence granted
The charity-run farm has had a successful launch, and bosses had applied to Oldham council for a premises licence, which was granted on October 6. The licence gives Northern Roots (Oldham) Ltd the ability to sell alcohol until midnight and stay open until 12.30am.
However, the charity has been clear they do not plan to play music continually in response to concerns. Instead, the licence will allow the charity to host events, bring in more income, host Christmas events, and 'develop a varied programme which broadens access to the site'.
Anna da Silva, CEO of Northern Roots, said they may also seek permission in the future to host weddings there. The licence application came before Oldham councillors due to complaints from Steven and Anita Bird in Medlock Vale. They raised a wide range of concerns around outdoor music but did not attend the October 6 meeting.
Plans for the community
At the meeting, Ms da Silva said their plans had been developed over three years to benefit the people of Oldham through health and wellbeing, connecting people, and celebrating the borough's arts and heritage. This included supporting hundreds of people through NHS referrals, volunteer opportunities, placements, as well as jobs.
She said: "Our aim is to enhance an area that has been to some extent neglected and abused for quite a long time", adding: "What we are trying to do is enhance the area connecting people with nature and connecting people with each other."
The charity has previously held events, and the Northern Roots open day on September 19 received no complaints, with music not audible beyond the boundary of the site due to the large trees surrounding it. Ms da Silva told councillors their customer base were not the type looking for a rave, and their presence had helped tackle antisocial behaviour.
Visitor numbers revealed
She said the charity had managed to stop their polytunnels from being vandalised, and litter in the area had significantly reduced as 'often working with people is better than trying to alienate them'. Since opening, councillors heard thousands of people have visited the site, including some from as far away as Glasgow, while the café was 'incredibly popular'.
Ms da Silva later told the Manchester Evening News over 12,000 people had visited in the two weeks the urban farm has been open. Announcing their decision to grant the licence, Coun Paul Taylor said they had considered the application alongside the two objections raised.
However, he also pointed out there had been no objection from Environmental Health officers, whose role is to investigate, monitor, and regulate noise pollution.
