Grandpa Greene's, the luxury ice cream maker, has revealed more details about its exciting redevelopment plans for its Diggle site. The ice cream parlour and cafe bar, located beside the Diggle Canal in Saddleworth, Oldham, will close temporarily from September to allow for a full redevelopment.
Demolition and rebuild for 'ultimate canalside destination'
The entire site is being demolished and rebuilt in what the company describes as 'the beginning of the biggest chapter in Grandpa Greene’s history', aiming 'to create the ultimate canalside hospitality destination'.
Managing director Rick Scholes shared more details after images of the new-look cafe attracted hundreds of responses on social media. His mum, Carole, started the business selling ice cream from a shed at the side of the canal using her grandfather's original recipes.
Indoor toilets and new facilities
One long-awaited feature for customers is indoor toilets, as the current ones are in a separate building requiring visitors to leave the cafe. The new-build will include new toilets and promises 'an incredible new space to enjoy breakfast, brunch, lunch, drinks, ice cream and unforgettable experiences'.
The new state-of-the-art facility will be constructed using reclaimed Cheshire brickwork, complemented by 'a striking' fully glazed opening main elevation, oak trusses and a feature vaulted roof. Those behind the project say it 'will create a real sense of being outdoors, framing the surrounding landscape / canal-side and making the most of the stunning views throughout the year'.
Family history and future
Reflecting on the business's history, Rick said: "In 2005, my mum Carole opened a small canalside ice cream shed in Diggle after bringing my great grandfather’s original family ice cream recipes back to life. None of us could ever have imagined where that journey would lead.
"Over the last 21 years, Grandpa Greene’s has grown organically thanks to the incredible support of our customers, our team and the local community.
"It’s amazing to think that what started as a small canalside ice cream shed will soon become the ultimate hospitality destination. This redevelopment represents the biggest investment in the history of our Diggle site and our commitment to securing the future of Grandpa Greene’s for many years to come.
"While we’re preserving everything that has made this place so special, we’re creating a fantastic new space that can be enjoyed all year round including one of the biggest milestones for the site - indoor toilets!
"We close our Diggle site this September to begin this exciting new chapter and look forward to welcoming guests back in December.
"On behalf of my family, thank you to everyone who has supported us over the last 21 years. We can’t wait to welcome you back and share the next chapter of the Grandpa Greene’s story."
Final weeks and other offerings
Customers are encouraged to use the next few weeks to visit the site for 'one last ice cream, one last coffee, one last brunch and one last walk along the canal' before it closes on September 2.
Besides ice cream, Grandpa Greene's is known for its breakfasts, afternoon teas and epic Easter treats including giant Easter egg hot chocolates, pancake stacks, shakes, waffles and more. The Uppermill bistro, which opened inside an old toilet block at King George V Park in 2023, has also been a huge hit.
