Issue - meetings

Consideration was given to a report of the Head of Strategy, Policy and

Partnerships, which sought approval to take forward the development of the Northern Roots project, with the proposed Alexandra Park Eco-Centre being the first phase. Under this project there would be consideration of opportunities to work with local communities to investigate ways that

Oldham could celebrate, protect and enhance its green spaces for the benefit of local people, the local economy and the planet.

Members were informed that Northern Roots would initially focus on the 160-acre Snipe Clough site adjacent to Alexandra Park and would investigate ways to enhance the sustainability and biodiversity of the site, to offer even greater opportunities for recreation and leisure for local people, and to promote growing and green enterprise projects.

The Northern Roots Project was an exciting opportunity for both Oldham and Greater Manchester and had become possible due to the work and achievements of the last six years of the co-operative agenda, working with communities and both celebrating and harnessing all the Borough had to offer as a green and growing town.

Members were informed that it would help make real and tangible the ambitions of the Oldham Plan for an inclusive economy, thriving communities and co-operative services; helping create great opportunities for residents, businesses and visitors.

The Cabinet noted that over the past six years, and as a tangible part of the co-operative borough ambition, community growing, horticulture skills and training, renewable energy and the local food economy had been developing. This was through a series of linked initiatives including Get Oldham Working, Get Oldham Growing, Growing Oldham, Feeding Ambition, Oldham Community Power and, more recently, the work on Thriving Communities.

When combined with proposals for the Alexandra Park Eco-centre, Northern Roots presented a significant opportunity and could be a positive new vehicle for change in Oldham, with the potential to be a powerful brand, pulling together existing and developing new initiatives around food, growing, sustainability and wellbeing in the borough, as well enabling community

engagement on opportunities and sites across the Borough.

Options/Alternatives considered:

Option 1 – Agree the recommendations

Option 2 – Do not agree the recommendations

RESOLVED - That the Cabinet would consider the commercially sensitive information contained at Item 11 of the agenda.