Alexandra Eco Centre

Net zero compliant environmental centre and depot anchoring Alexandra Park regeneration.

Alexandra Eco Centre | CASE STUDY DETAILS

KEY FEATURES

Net zero compliant building
Air source heat pump system
Community education space
Landscape and depot integration

Delivering a Net Zero Environmental Hub for Community Growth and Regeneration

Whitfield & Brown was appointed by Oldham Council to construct the new Alexandra Eco Centre, a landmark sustainable development within Alexandra Park that supports both environmental services operations and community engagement activities. Designed by Walker Simpson Architects in collaboration with JDDK, the project forms a key part of the wider Northern Roots regeneration initiative.

Developed to replace an ageing service facility, the new centre has been created as a modern, net zero compliant building that combines operational functionality with environmental leadership. The project supports Oldham Council’s vision of creating a greener, more sustainable borough while providing facilities that benefit local residents, community groups and educational organisations.

Supporting the Northern Roots Vision

The Alexandra Eco Centre sits at the heart of the Northern Roots programme, a pioneering initiative transforming 160 acres of green space into a nationally significant urban farm and eco-park. The scheme brings together environmental improvement, food growing, education, biodiversity enhancement and community wellbeing in a single destination designed to serve future generations.

The Eco Centre acts as an anchor building within this wider masterplan, providing a base for environmental services while creating opportunities for training, learning and public engagement.

Sustainable Design and Construction

Working closely with Walker Simpson Architects and JDDK, Whitfield & Brown helped bring forward a highly sustainable facility designed to showcase best practice in low-carbon construction and building operation.

The development includes:

Net zero compliant office accommodation.
Air source heat pump technology.
Renewable energy systems.
Community learning and education spaces.
Glasshouse facilities for plant cultivation.
Refurbished storage buildings.
Extensive hard and soft landscaping.
Biodiversity enhancement measures.

The ultra-modern building was designed to preserve and enhance the environmental value of the parkland setting while creating a highly efficient workplace and community asset. Features including renewable technologies, energy-efficient systems and sustainable drainage strategies help minimise the building’s environmental footprint while supporting long-term operational performance.

Creating a Community Resource

The Eco Centre has been designed to serve more than its operational function. Alongside accommodation for Oldham Council’s environmental services team, the building provides flexible spaces that support community events, horticultural education, environmental training and local engagement initiatives.

Located adjacent to the Northern Roots urban farm and learning zones, the facility creates a focal point for education and environmental awareness, helping residents connect with nature, sustainability and food growing opportunities.

Delivering Social Value

Social value formed a key part of the project’s delivery strategy. Whitfield & Brown supported the local economy through local recruitment, local procurement and engagement with local education providers, helping to create employment opportunities and develop future construction skills within the region.

This approach aligned with both Northern Roots objectives and Oldham Council’s wider sustainability and community development ambitions.

Project Outcome

The completed Alexandra Eco Centre provides a future-focused operational base, community learning facility and sustainability showcase that will serve Oldham for years to come. By combining low-carbon technologies, innovative design and strong community benefits, the project demonstrates how construction can support environmental ambitions while delivering meaningful social and economic value.