Oldham Council has worked with partners to create a new community growing hub at Berries Field Park in Chadderton.
The project was commissioned by Councillor Abdul Jabbar MBE, Deputy Leader of Oldham Council and Cabinet Member for Finance, Corporate Services and Sustainability. It sits alongside the existing park, which is already well used by residents.
The growing hub has been created to give local people a safe and welcoming space to grow their own food, herbs and vegetables. The idea came from conversations with residents, particularly women in the community, who said they lacked access to suitable growing spaces. The hub is designed to encourage people to work together, support wellbeing and build stronger community links.
The project has been led and managed by Willmott Dixon as part of their wider work at Northern Roots, where they are delivering a new visitor centre and a forestry skills centre.
More than £38,000 has been invested in the project, with further support through donations and gifts in kind from Willmott Dixon’s supply chain partners. Over 140 hours of staff volunteering also helped bring the space to life.
Improvements at the site include security fencing, a polytunnel, timber planters and a purpose-built growing structure. These are linked by accessible pathways, ensuring the space is inclusive and easy to use for people of all ages and abilities.
The project was supported by a strong supply chain, including Wright Landscapes, Faber Joinery and Rose Scaffolding, who donated time and materials. Additional financial contributions were provided by Lester Cladding, Bretton Architectural, Carters Electrical and Keith Walton.
Cllr Abdul Jabbar said: “This project is about giving local people the space and support they need to grow their own food and come together as a community. Berries field Park is already well loved, and this new growing hub builds on that by creating a place that supports wellbeing, learning and sustainability. I am grateful to everyone involved for their hard work and generosity in making this happen.”
Mike Poole-Sutherland, North West Director at Willmott Dixon said: “We’re proud to join Oldham Council and our dedicated supply chain partners to celebrate the opening of this new community growing hub, which we know will make a huge difference to the local community and support residents in growing their own healthy produce.
“When Councillor Jabbar asked us to get involved as part of our work delivering Northern Roots, it was a no brainer and something we were extremely passionate about creating. A big thanks to all of our supply chain partners who have helped to make this project happen.”
The new growing hub is open to everyone. Come along and see it for yourself if you’re in the area and find out how you can get involved.