The University of Salford will help to bring forward the 'Eden of the North' after it was named partner on the ambitious Oldham -based project.
Northern Roots is a 160-acre scheme that will see the creation of the UK's largest urban farm and eco-park at Snipe Clough, next to the Alexandra Park depot.
The wider multi-million pound project would also include a petting zoo, microbrewery, sports and forest zones, according to details unveiled by Oldham council last year.
Now the University of Salford has been chosen as a strategic partner for the project.
Dr Michael Hardman, Senior Lecturer in Urban Geography at the University of Salford, said: "This is an exceptionally exciting project for the University to be involved in. We have been working behind the scenes for several years taking the project from concept to the detailed business modelling stage.
"The scheme has already created jobs in the area and links to the regeneration of Oldham's town centre. With urban farming and greening high on the national and international agenda, there is huge potential for Northern Roots going forward."
The space has already provided learning opportunities for students with the university using the site as a 'Living Lab' for consultancy, research for dissertations, student assessment and field trips.
Dr Hardman has led three projects linked to enabling the scheme since 2017. The most recent, commissioned in November 2019, sees the University leading a team of business modellers, ecologists, architects and others to create in-depth scenario plans for the site.
Northern Roots' website says that it will be developed' for and with local communities', creating a wide range of activities and businesses on Snipe Clough.
These will include growing edible crops at scale, animal husbandry and bee-keeping, forestry, mountain biking, outdoor events and performances. The ambition is that Northern Roots will become self-financing in the longer term through a blend of social investment, enterprise, tourism, licensing and commissioning.
The project had been nicknamed the 'Eden of the North' in the early stages for the national profile it could give Oldham.
Council chiefs estimated earlier this year that the project would cost around £25million.
Detailed plans for the on-site eco-centre were unveiled in January, winning the backing of Greater Manchester metro mayor Andy Burnham.
He said the centre -which is planned to use biomass heating and solar panels to become carbon neutral - would form part of the five-year plan to make the region carbon neutral by 2038, and had wide-ranging benefits.
"A vital part of this will be looking at how we can regenerate urban green spaces and put them at the heart of our communities - becoming viable, sustainable resources that bring people together and enhance our quality of life," Mr Burnham added.
