Northern Roots reveals final designs for visitor centre as plans submitted

A cafe, shop, outdoor amphitheatre and classroom space are among the features set to be included in the scheme, with the buildings to sit at opposite ends of the Snipe Clough site.

Led by architect Alison Thornton-Sykes of JDDK Architects, consultation included building design workshops with Oldham College, Mahdlo Youth Zone and the wider public in Oldham.

Alison Thornton-Sykes with pupils from Oldham College.

The resulting visitor centre, which will provide cafe, exhibition, shop and meeting space, has been designed to blend with the surrounding natural environment and nestles into the woodland edge at the northern end of the site.

Ms Thornton-Sykes said: “The visitor centre has been inspired by the transformation of a caterpillar from the cocoon stage to the emerging butterfly.

"That transformation journey remains symbolic of the wider transformation of the Northern Roots site, from its industrial past to a green masterplan, with the butterfly roof rising from an elliptical-shaped building surrounding a welcoming courtyard.” 

The layout of the visitor centre is based around a central cloister leading into the reception area which flows into the retail space and also provides access to staff areas and a multi-faith meditation and prayer space.

The cloister continues to provide access to toilets including a changing places facility, and a multi-use/learning space.

From the reception, the staircase and lift lead up to a cafe on the first floor.

The cafe opens onto a south-facing terrace which connects to steps and a footpath leading down to an amphitheatre.

Inspired by tree houses, the learning centre, meanwhile, sits within a woodland area to the southeast of the application boundary. 

It will consist of a series of linked timber-framed buildings, which will sit on stilts.

The centre will house a reception, classrooms, teaching kitchen and breakout space, staff facilities, multi-faith prayer and meditation space, toilets and a bunkhouse.

There will also be a central, external meeting space for outdoor learning. 

The full planning application can be viewed on the Oldham Council website.

A separate planning application for a bike hub and trails at Northern Roots was submitted in February.