The first phase of works to deliver a state-of-the-art Eco Centre in Alexandra Park will soon begin.
Oldham Council has approved plans to develop a new office with sustainable energy solutions for the borough's environmental services teams.
It will be the first stage of works to bring forward an environmental centre of excellence, which the council say support its ambitions to be the greenest borough in Greater Manchester.
Cllr Sean Fielding, Council Leader and Cabinet Member for Economy and Skills, said: “The new workspace will be a key component in the Eco Centre vision and we look forward to seeing it take shape and pave the way for further phases of the masterplan.
“The new workspace will use clean energy, in addition to mains electricity, and will provide a much-needed new home for our colleagues who do so much for Oldham.”
The Eco Centre plans were first revealed in January last year but, since the coronavirus pandemic has impacted on budgets, the council say the project will be delivered in a phased approach, starting with the new office.
It will be powered by an air source heat pump to provide sustainable heat and hot water.
Currently, Alexandra Park Depot is a base for 170 staff who look after the borough’s parks and gardens, plant growing services and maintain the borough’s cemeteries.
The main office is the former Gardener’s Lodge, but the building is becoming dilapidated and in urgent need of significant investment.
It is hoped that work will start on site this summer, with the new office space expected to open around Spring 2022.
Cllr Abdul Jabbar, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Finance and Green, said: “The Alexandra Park depot is coming to the end of its working life. Our environmental services colleagues are at the heart of Alexandra Park, and they will become the heart of the Eco Centre with this first phase of works.
“We remain committed to tackling climate change and creating opportunities for our residents – the Eco Centre will pioneer new social, environmental and economic ways of working which will be so important in supporting Oldham’s recovery from the coronavirus pandemic and help us to meet our carbon neutrality target by 2025.”
Images credit: Walker Simpson Architects
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