CONSTRUCTION of the Alexandra Park eco centre is set to start next week.

Works will start on the new energy efficient building from Monday, December 6 with completion expected next winter.

The eco centre, which will be heated by air source heat pumps providing more sustainable heat and hot water, will offer a modern workspace for the council’s Environmental Services teams as well as a space for events, education and recreation.

The centre is set to create 13 new jobs, as well as work placements and skills opportunities to help young people into work.

Cllr Abdul Jabbar, Oldham Council joint deputy leader and cabinet member for finance and low carbon, met with council officers and construction partners, Whitfield and Brown Developments, to mark the first ‘spade in the ground’ at the site of the new eco centre this week.

Cllr Jabbar said: “It was fantastic to celebrate the start of this project which will deliver huge environmental, economic and social benefits. As a Green New Deal council, we are absolutely committed to green energy and tackling the climate challenge in Oldham.”

Council leader Cllr Arooj Shah added: “The new depot is a fantastic example of how Oldham Council is striving to make Oldham the greenest borough in Greater Manchester and, at the same time, unlocking opportunities to improve the lives of our communities.”