Designs for Phase 2 of Castlefield Viaduct have today been revealed as the National Trust submit a planning application for the extension of Manchester’s sky park.
Plans include ambitions to increase the scale of the viaduct experience for visitors from 150 metres to over 350 metres, and a second entry and exit point on to the west side of Mancunian Way via a lift and stairway. Designs also feature winding paths through planted areas to encourage people to take time out from the busy city below and connect with nature.
This next stage of the project will lay the foundations for the bigger, longer-term Vision[1] for the Grade II listed viaduct which was first launched by the National Trust and partners in June.
Nichola Jacques, Castlefield Viaduct Project Manager at the National Trust, says:
“This planning application is a major step towards the National Trust and our partners finding a future for Castlefield Viaduct.
“We’ve been blown away by the passion, creativity and local pride expressed towards the viaduct since it opened three years ago. It’s clear that Manchester wants the viaduct to remain open and reach its full potential to bring nature to more people in this urban setting, share its story in the city’s history, and connect other parts of the city through active travel routes. This journey can begin by opening access to the full deck of the viaduct and providing a canvas for future ideas and opportunities which we hope will attract investment from funders and partners.”
Currently, visitors to the viaduct can walk through a series of spaces and gardens before coming to an untouched section of the structure beyond a glass wall. It’s this untouched section where the Phase 2 transformation will take place, with the initial construction work focused on making the latter half of the viaduct accessible to visitors and beneficial for local wildlife.
Matt Cartwright, Founding Director of Twelve Architects who have been working on the project since 2021, says: “It has been a huge privilege to watch the Castlefield Viaduct project progress, and to now be working on the second phase with the National Trust, Arup, BDP Landscape and the local community. This project is very close to our hearts, and we are so proud of what we have achieved as a team. Together, we continue to unlock the potential of the Viaduct, to connect the people of Manchester with nature, heritage and community.”
The National Trust has obtained £400,000 from National Highways’ Users and Communities Designated Funds programme to support the design and feasibility of Phase 2 of the project. The conservation charity is actively seeking further investment for the Phase 2 works, as well as funding to help to turn the longer-term plans for Castlefield Viaduct into a reality for Manchester.
