From Ruins to Rebirth: A Guided Heritage Walk

From Robert Thatcher’s majestic 19th century Brook Mills that once stood proudly on the site, Victorian visitor destination Strawberry Gardens and the forgotten homestead of Cherry Valley, to the beautiful new and urban farms we are currently building, let our Heritage Champions take you on a journey from the past into the future.

As you walk and explore the Northern Roots site with them, they’ll share maps, photographs and the stories of the places, people and buildings embedded in the site’s incredible history.

They’ll also share the vision for Northern Roots future with you. How we are creating inspirational buildings, spaces and opportunities for people to connect around food, growing, nature, learning, creativity, sport, work and play, and transforming uncared for space into a destination that is ‘of’ the local community, but for everyone.

This year’s GM Walking Festival theme is ‘Celebrating Connected Communities’. We’re embracing this by bringing generations together by linking today’s communities with one another and with the heritage and stories of those who came before them.

We are delighted to be working with a small and brilliant team of local Heritage Champions as part of our current project. Our Heritage Champions have been tasked with researching the natural, industrial and social heritage of the Northern Roots site, so it can be brought to life for new audiences.

Learn how Gemma, a local resident, has thrived and found a new passion and career path through her role as Heritage Champion.

From Ruins to Rebirth is free but has a limited number of places and must be booked via Eventbrite.

Check out the rest of the GM Walking Festival schedule here.

KEY INFORMATION

Price: Free

Group Size: 20

Date and time: 1-2.30pm on Sunday 17th May 2026. Please arrive 10 minutes before the start of the session.

Location: Northern Roots, Kings Road, Oldham, OL8 2BJ. Here’s how to find us.

Age limits: 18+

Parking: Parking is free in our small car park, as well as along Kings Road and in Alexandra Park Car Parks.

Clothing: Please wear weather-proof clothing and sturdy shoes suitable for mixed terrains. This session is not accessible for wheelchairs. This session require standing for periods of time.

Refreshments: No refreshments will be provided, but please feel free to bring your own snacks and drinks.

Toilets: We have a small composting toilet available on site, which you can access at the start and end of the walk.

Cancellation Policy: Please let us know in advance if you cannot attend by cancelling through Eventbrite or emailing [email protected].

Have a question? Please reach out to [email protected]

This walk is made possible by funding from the Research conducted with support from Gallery Oldham and Oldham Library and Archive

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