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 and support our 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.”
We first revealed our exemplary Eco Centre plans in January last year. The coronavirus pandemic has impacted on our budgets, so instead of developing the project all at once, we are now taking a phased approach. The new office will kickstart the works.
Embracing our commitment to decarbonisation, green technologies and sustainable property design, 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.
