Published: Friday, 25th March 2022
Exciting times are ahead for the currently unoccupied cafe at Coalshaw Green Park in Chadderton.
Oldham Council Leader Arooj Shah and Councillor Graham Shuttleworth have handed over the cafe lease to Anna Kennedy from WIFI Kitchen.
Anna, who has been working with families in Oldham for 18 years, is already firmly established in the Oldham community for her participation in The Big Lunch, as well as projects like The Hope Programme which shows families how to prepare healthy meals quickly.
The cafe will not only be serving a variety of hot and cold drinks and meals it will also have a growing hub where residents will be encouraged to get involved in the growing and cooking process. This will help to educate families about fresh, seasonal and local produce.
Anna said, “I want to create a safe space for the whole community to have access to.
“WIFI stands for Wellbeing Improvement Fitness Initiative and I want the cafe to embody this ethos.
“Getting children involved in the growing and cooking of the food will be a huge part of the cafe plans and we’ll give out free meals to any child who helps out.
Councillor Graham Shuttleworth said, “We know the importance of having a cafe in the park and we’re excited to watch Anna’s plans take shape.
“The cafe will serve the whole community in a variety of ways and will help to promote healthy eating and sustainability.
“The key is making it a space everyone can tap into.”
Oldham Council Leader Arooj Shah said, “Now Covid restrictions are starting to ease we need to concentrate on connecting families in a variety of positive ways.
“By engaging in fun and healthy family activities that promote wellbeing in our public spaces we believe it’s makes it easier for families to access them”
The park cafe will be open by mid-May with a host of activities planned for the Queen’s Jubilee.