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The Castlefield Viaduct Sky Park, a pioneering urban green space suspended on a disused railway line, has just received a £2.75 million funding boost, paving the way for a major expansion that will double its length and transform it into a nature-rich through-route for the city.
Since opening in July 2022 as a pilot by the National Trust, Castlefield Viaduct has captured the imagination of Manchester’s residents.
An aerial view of Castlefield Viaduct
Once an overlooked piece of Victorian infrastructure, the viaduct has been reimagined as a suspended park offering peace, greenery, and panoramic views to city dwellers. Now, Phase two of the project is set to expand the viaduct from 150 to over 350 metres, making it one of the most innovative examples of urban regeneration in the UK.
The latest round of funding includes £2.4 million from National Highways’ Historical Railways Estate team, plus contributions from Manchester City Council (£100k), Greater Manchester Combined Authority (£100k), and the Railway Heritage Trust (£150k). These contributions will enable the structural and access improvements needed to open the next section of the viaduct, which will include a lift and stairway, turning it into a proper through-route for the first time. It will also feature the RHS Chelsea Flower Show’s Gold medal-winning WaterAid Garden.
Castlefield Viaduct extension
Phase two of Castlefield Viaduct
Mike Innerdale, Regional Director for the North at the National Trust, described the project as nothing short of visionary:
“This project is iconic of the things we want to see in Manchester. It’s about creating a park in the sky, a place that connects communities. Phase 2 is not just a continuation – it’s an evolution. We want to build a route that links Trafford to the city centre, threading greenery and community through the very fabric of Manchester.”
Mike emphasised that the project is more than just a beautiful space: it’s a response to growing urban density and the need for accessible, restorative environments.
“We’re surrounded by high-rises and new developments, but we’re not always designing the green spaces people desperately need. This isn’t a luxury – it’s essential. Wellbeing concerns have never been greater. This is about prosperity, health, and creating a city that works for people and for nature.”
Helen Rossiter, Head of the Historical Railways Estate Programme at National Highways, echoed this sentiment: “What we have here is a tranquil greenway, suspended above Manchester’s oldest infrastructure, connecting urban dwellers with nature and history. This is a living green corridor for pollinators, for birds, and for people to walk, rest and enjoy. The partnership model here is what makes it work – the National Trust, Castlefield Forum, and many more all pulling together.”
Manchester City Centre green spaces
Castlefield Viaduct and launch of Phase 2 of developing the garden space
Community involvement has been central to the success of the Viaduct. Castlefield Forum has worked alongside the National Trust from the beginning, helping to inform the design and ethos of the space.
Jane Black from Castlefield Forum said: “People generally love it. We’ve kept our members involved from day one, and many have helped shape the community plots you pass along the walk. This isn’t just a showpiece. It’s becoming part of daily life.
“Phase 2 will bring even more opportunities for residents – imagine walking your dog, commuting to work, or just taking a moment in your day to breathe in some calm, right here above the city.”
Black, who helped lead the design group for Phase 2, is hopeful the new section will function as both a local garden and a lung for Manchester.
“With so many people in apartments and flats, these kinds of spaces aren’t just desirable, they’re vital. This is about health, happiness, and giving the city room to breathe.”
Ellie Nicholson, Project Manager for Phase 2 at the National Trust, described the moment as a culmination of huge effort: “The funding is finally in place and now we can get started. We’ve listened to what people want, and they want something beautiful. They want to feel pride in their city and to be surprised by what it can offer. This is a flagship project for us – there’s nothing else quite like it in the UK.”
She also pointed to the strong emotional connection people already feel to the space.
“After a stressful day, you can come here, sit among the planters and flowers, and just relax. You can barely hear the trams and cars below. It’s peaceful. People are genuinely amazed that something like this exists in Manchester.”
Manchester City Council leader
Have you been to visit Castlefield Viaduct yet?
Councillor Bev Craig, Leader of Manchester City Council, reflected on what the Viaduct means to the city:
“The viaduct is a living symbol of our heritage – a bridge between Manchester’s industrial past and our sustainable future. It sits atop the old Roman fort and beside the birthplace of modern railway, but now it’s also becoming a sanctuary in the middle of our city.”
Cllr Craig sees it as a core part of the city’s push to create more liveable, equitable urban spaces: “Our city centre is growing rapidly, but it needs to grow well. Green space isn’t just a nice-to-have. It’s as vital as schools or transport. This is an example of what happens when we blend the old and the new with purpose. It’s a celebration of who we are, and where we’re going.”
The long-term vision imagines the Viaduct extending further still, linking Castlefield to Pomona and potentially even beyond, creating a vast linear park connecting multiple boroughs.
“It’s not just about Phase 2,” says Craig. “It’s about a bigger picture – making sure everyone, no matter where they live, can access nature, beauty, and heritage on their doorstep.”
Councillor Tom Ross, GMCA’s lead for Green City-Region, added: “Castlefield Viaduct shows what’s possible when we think big and invest in the future. It’s about creating healthier, greener neighbourhoods, and reimagining our city through the lens of nature.”
One final push for funding at Castlefield Viaduct
One of the community projects at Castlefield Viaduct
While the majority of the funding for Phase 2 has now been secured, around £500,000 is still needed to fund the planting scheme and create the urban oasis Manchester deserves.
Mike Innerdale made a heartfelt appeal: “We need the final bit of funding to do this well. We’re calling on businesses, developers, and individuals to back the vision. The community has already shown they believe in it. Now we need the last few funders to step forward and help make this a world-class space for people and for nature.”
For those wanting to support the project, the National Trust has set up the Castlefield Viaduct Club, allowing businesses to pledge their support. You can get involved and donate by clicking here
With construction on Phase 2 expected to begin this autumn and a projected opening in summer 2026, the future of Castlefield Viaduct is looking greener, more inclusive, and more exciting than ever.
As Helen Rossiter puts it: “This is Manchester at its best – bold, collaborative, and rooted in its people. And now, it’s rooted in nature too.”
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