Our work at Castlefield Viaduct

Project phases

• Phase 1: a temporary urban park

  The first phase of this ambitious project saw the viaduct transformed into a temporary urban park, where we tested ideas and invited visitors to share their ideas for the viaduct’s future.

  Launched in July 2022, the pilot was delivered in collaboration with National Highways Historical Railways Estate Team, supported by Manchester City Council, Greater Manchester Combined Authority, Transport for Greater Manchester and the local community, businesses and supporters.

  Costing £1.8 million, this part of the project has been made possible thanks to private donations and support received from players of People’s Postcode Lottery.

• Phase 2: an extension and through route

  Phase 2 is a direct response to public feedback from viaduct visitors and the local community who took part in the workshops, events and an online survey in autumn 2023. In addition to turning it into a nature-rich throughroute for the very first time, plans also include winding paths through planted areas, more places on the viaduct to sit, relax and take in the views of the city, and pop-up spaces for community activities and events.

  This phase sees an increase to the scale of the sky park experience for visitors from 120 metres to the full 330 metre length of the historic structure. Currently, visitors to the viaduct walk through a series of spaces and gardens before coming to a glass wall where the untouched section of the viaduct can be seen. It’s this untouched section of the viaduct which, together with our partners, we are turning our attention to next.

  Approved plans for Phase 2 include a second entry and exit point on to the west side of Mancunian Way via a lift and stairway to improve access and allow more people to visit. Other features include winding paths through planted areas to encourage people to take time out from the busy city below and connect with nature.

  The extension will also The WaterAid Garden, a striking gold medal-winning garden from RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2024, designed by architect Je Ahn and landscape designer Tom Massey. The centrepiece of the thought-provoking design is a planted rainwater harvesting pavilion, which filters and stores rainfall for irrigation, while also slowing the flow of heavy downpours and providing shade. The structure was inspired by WaterAid’s work alongside communities around the world to develop relevant and sustainable clean water solutions and build resilience to climate change. Both the garden and its relocation were made possible thanks to funding from the grant-making charity Project Giving Back. 

  The planning application for Phase 2 was given the green light by Manchester City Council in April 2025. National Highway’s Historical Railways Estate Team has committed £2.4 million to fund a significant part of the structural and foundation work for ‘Phase 2’ of the project. A further £100k will be funded by Manchester City Council, £100k has been pledged by Greater Manchester Combined Authority, and a grant of £150k is also being given to the project from the Railway Heritage Trust.

  Further funding is still needed for the planting scheme – for the trees, plants and outdoor seating areas to create an urban oasis for people and nature to enjoy. To help make this a reality, you can donate to Castlefield Viaduct.

• The Vision: a longer term future

  The long-term vision is to transform Castlefield Viaduct into a free-to-access park and meeting place for people and nature. It will continue be a space that respects the listed structure, celebrates the nature, beauty and history of the viaduct, and complements existing plans for the city.

  In addition to bringing people closer to nature in the city, we want the viaduct to be a stepping stone to other green spaces and cultural attractions in South Manchester, accessible by foot or bike – sitting alongside iconic venues such as the Science and Industry Museum and The Factory but also reaching further to Salford and beyond.

  Watch the vision fly-through or see the vision document.