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Plans to transform Castlefield viaduct into a New York-style High Line urban park given green light
The ‘hidden oasis’ could be ready as soon as next summer
Dazzling plans to transform Manchester’s Castlefield viaduct into a city centre park have been given the green light by Manchester City Council.
The historic Grade II listed structure used to be used to carry heavy rail traffic in and out of Manchester Central, but it closed down in 1969 and has been sat derelict and unused ever since.
But now, it will be getting a new injection of life; The National Trust has this week been given temporary planning permission to transform a section of the viaduct into an ‘urban oasis’ overlooking the city centre and beyond, similar to New York’s famous ‘High Line’.
The National Trust revealed that the transformation could be complete as soon as next summer, and will be completely free to enter.
National Trust
It has also been confirmed that new ideas and feedback for the park, which will be transformed with plants and foliage to help attract wildlife, will be taken on board to ‘help determine the longer term future’.
According to the NT’s website: “The vision is to fully transform the viaduct into a free-to-access park and meeting place for people and nature – a hidden oasis sitting above the busy city. It will be a space that respects the listed structure and celebrates the nature, beauty and history of the viaduct.”
Duncan Laird, head of urban places at the National Trust, said: “We’re delighted that our temporary planning application has been given the green light by Manchester City Council.
“It’s a positive step towards realising our plans, and those of our partners and supporters… Earlier this year we invited the public to share their thoughts and give feedback on our plans to open the viaduct as a temporary urban park.
National Trust
“We were encouraged by the positive response we received with so many people sharing our excitement about the potential benefits the viaduct could have on the area and those who live locally.
“We’re still in conversation with a number of key organisations whose support we need to make this a reality for Manchester, but we’re looking forward to sharing more news on our plans and progress in the New Year.”
Visit the National Trust website here for more information.