{"id":250758,"date":"2025-07-09T12:39:15","date_gmt":"2025-07-09T12:39:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/250758\/"},"modified":"2025-07-09T12:39:15","modified_gmt":"2025-07-09T12:39:15","slug":"castlefield-viaduct-double-in-size-after-2-7m-funding-boost","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/250758\/","title":{"rendered":"Castlefield Viaduct double in size after \u00a32.7m funding boost"},"content":{"rendered":"

– Advertisement –\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

The Castlefield Viaduct Sky Park, a pioneering urban green space suspended on a disused railway line, has just received a \u00a32.75 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.<\/p>\n

Since opening in July 2022 as a pilot by the National Trust, Castlefield Viaduct has captured the imagination of Manchester\u2019s residents. <\/p>\n

\"CastlefieldAn aerial view of Castlefield Viaduct <\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

The latest round of funding includes \u00a32.4 million from National Highways\u2019 Historical Railways Estate team, plus contributions from Manchester City Council (\u00a3100k), Greater Manchester Combined Authority (\u00a3100k), and the Railway Heritage Trust (\u00a3150k). 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\u2019s Gold medal-winning WaterAid Garden<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Castlefield Viaduct extension<\/p>\n

\"CastlefieldPhase two of Castlefield Viaduct<\/p>\n

Mike Innerdale, Regional Director for the North at the National Trust, described the project as nothing short of visionary:<\/p>\n

\u201cThis project is iconic of the things we want to see in Manchester. It\u2019s about creating a park in the sky, a place that connects communities. Phase 2 is not just a continuation \u2013 it\u2019s 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.\u201d<\/p>\n

Mike emphasised that the project is more than just a beautiful space: it\u2019s a response to growing urban density and the need for accessible, restorative environments.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019re surrounded by high-rises and new developments, but we\u2019re not always designing the green spaces people desperately need. This isn\u2019t a luxury \u2013 it\u2019s essential. Wellbeing concerns have never been greater. This is about prosperity, health, and creating a city that works for people and for nature.\u201d<\/p>\n

Helen Rossiter, Head of the Historical Railways Estate Programme at National Highways, echoed this sentiment: \u201cWhat we have here is a tranquil greenway, suspended above Manchester\u2019s 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 \u2013 the National Trust, Castlefield Forum, and many more all pulling together.\u201d<\/p>\n

Manchester City Centre green spaces<\/p>\n

\"\"Castlefield Viaduct and launch of Phase 2 of developing the garden space<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Jane Black from Castlefield Forum said: \u201cPeople generally love it. We\u2019ve kept our members involved from day one, and many have helped shape the community plots you pass along the walk. This isn\u2019t just a showpiece. It\u2019s becoming part of daily life. <\/p>\n

\u201cPhase 2 will bring even more opportunities for residents \u2013 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.\u201d<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

\u201cWith so many people in apartments and flats, these kinds of spaces aren\u2019t just desirable, they\u2019re vital. This is about health, happiness, and giving the city room to breathe.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ellie Nicholson, Project Manager for Phase 2 at the National Trust, described the moment as a culmination of huge effort: \u201cThe funding is finally in place and now we can get started. We\u2019ve 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 \u2013 there\u2019s nothing else quite like it in the UK.\u201d<\/p>\n

She also pointed to the strong emotional connection people already feel to the space.<\/p>\n

\u201cAfter 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\u2019s peaceful. People are genuinely amazed that something like this exists in Manchester.\u201d<\/p>\n

Manchester City Council leader <\/p>\n

\"CastlefieldHave you been to visit Castlefield Viaduct yet?<\/p>\n

Councillor Bev Craig, Leader of Manchester City Council<\/a>, reflected on what the Viaduct means to the city:<\/p>\n

\u201cThe viaduct is a living symbol of our heritage \u2013 a bridge between Manchester\u2019s industrial past and our sustainable future. It sits atop the old Roman fort and beside the birthplace of modern railway, but now it\u2019s also becoming a sanctuary in the middle of our city.\u201d<\/p>\n

Cllr Craig sees it as a core part of the city\u2019s push to create more liveable, equitable urban spaces: \u201cOur city centre is growing rapidly, but it needs to grow well. Green space isn\u2019t just a nice-to-have. It\u2019s as vital as schools or transport. This is an example of what happens when we blend the old and the new with purpose. It\u2019s a celebration of who we are, and where we\u2019re going.\u201d<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s not just about Phase 2,\u201d says Craig. \u201cIt\u2019s about a bigger picture \u2013 making sure everyone, no matter where they live, can access nature, beauty, and heritage on their doorstep.\u201d<\/p>\n

Councillor Tom Ross, GMCA\u2019s lead for Green City-Region, added: \u201cCastlefield Viaduct shows what\u2019s possible when we think big and invest in the future. It\u2019s about creating healthier, greener neighbourhoods, and reimagining our city through the lens of nature.\u201d<\/p>\n

One final push for funding at Castlefield Viaduct<\/p>\n

\"\"One of the community projects at Castlefield Viaduct<\/p>\n

While the majority of the funding for Phase 2 has now been secured, around \u00a3500,000 is still needed to fund the planting scheme and create the urban oasis Manchester deserves.<\/p>\n

Mike Innerdale made a heartfelt appeal: \u201cWe need the final bit of funding to do this well. We\u2019re 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.\u201d<\/p>\n

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<\/a><\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

As Helen Rossiter puts it: \u201cThis is Manchester at its best \u2013 bold, collaborative, and rooted in its people. And now, it\u2019s rooted in nature too.\u201d<\/p>\n

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