Levelling Up Fund: Support for enviro-tech start ups in Oldham

Funding for a centre to support start-ups in the environmental technology sector in Oldham has been given as part of the government’s Levelling Up scheme. 

A successful £20m bid was made by Oldham Council to support regeneration plans in the area as well as funding projects under the ‘Green New Deal’ including the Green Shoots Centre.

Oldham Council Leader Amanda Chadderton said she was proud of the work put into attaining the funding, she said: ‘Towns like ours have been hit hardest by austerity, the pandemic and the cost-of-living crisis. But despite this we remain one of the most entrepreneurial towns in the UK. 

‘We have a clear direction for Oldham and have worked with partners to identify exciting projects as part of our Levelling Up bids, which will help us to build a better borough and future.’ 

The business centre, based at Rhodes Bank, will be net zero and powered by renewable energy sources such as a mine water system. Other projects supported by the funds include the Northern Roots Learning Centre, which will support Green Shoots, and the Oldham Greenway, which will link the centres to the town centre with active travel routes. 

Oldham was one of only three successful bids for Levelling Up funding in the Greater Manchester area with other bids including one to restore a historic building in Wigan and a project to redevelop Partington Sports Village in Trafford. 

Ms. Chadderton added: ‘We welcome the £20 million we’ve secured for our Greener Oldham projects in the borough. This proves Government has confidence in our regeneration plans and the work we are doing throughout our Creating a Better Place programme – creating an town where people want to live, work and visit.’ 

Oldham’s Green New Deal strategy will see the council attempt to achieve carbon neutrality by 2025 and the borough by 2030 and includes a new ‘Eco-Centre’ in Alexandra Park. 

The government’s second round of projects chosen to benefit from the Levelling Up fund includes a small few focussing on technology focussed schemes including a new hi-tech education facility in Blaenau Gwent, Wales.

Photo: Oldham Council