Manchester’s Skypark’s future has been confirmed with plans revealed for a second stage and to connect it into Salford and Trafford
The National Trust site which opened a year ago on Castlefield’s abandoned train viaduct has seen over 40,000 visitors
Manchester-based landscape architects BDP have been appointed as lead designers for the next phase of the project which will see the public asked for ideas to design the next stage
The announcement has been made just before the project’s first birthday on 30 July 2023 with the conservation charity also announcing the appointment of landscape architects from Manchester based design practice, BDP, which will work with the Trust, partners and the community to develop bigger, bolder plans for the next phase of the viaduct, for which funding is still required.
Duncan Laird Head of Urban Places at the National Trust says: “We’re delighted to be staying open for another year so we can continue to provide visitors with moments of joy and build
momentum to create a future for this fantastic place. As we enter this next phase of the project, we can start to truly understand what this space could become – and how it can serve future generations.
“This won’t happen without big investment however, and we hope BDP can help us create a vision for this space to reflect ambitious plans for the city that investors want to be part of.
“Bringing nature and beauty to the centre of urban areas is something that we are passionate about. We want to bring more nature, beauty and history to urban areas as we know the benefits
it can bring in terms of health, wellbeing, community and placemaking.”
James Millington, Landscape Architect Director at BDP, commented: “Castlefield Viaduct is a place like no other and it is fantastic to be working with the National Trust to bring to life
a vision for the space that reaches far beyond its perceived potential. Over the last year, the viaduct has become a genuine city detour that inspires a diverse range of people and ages with a range of ideas, installations, and artistic interventions. It is
a landscape-led approach that creates a new city garden, breathes new life into the lungs of the city and gives us the opportunity to enhance the space for nature and beauty.
“As we develop our concepts further with the community, we know it will become a place which drives and reflects the success of Greater Manchester. We will be supercharging the attributes
of this great piece of Victorian engineering to create a vibrant, people-focused experience that leaves a smile on the face of all who visit.”
