CyanLines, a major project which aims to better link and transform Manchester and Salford’s green and blue spaces, has unveiled its next phase of plans.
Upon returning to Aviva Studios to celebrate the initiative’s first anniversary, the team confirmed two major announcements: a significant charitable grant from the Bupa Foundation to the National Trust towards Phase Two of Castlefield Viaduct and plans for a new CyanLines route, known as CL5, which will significantly improve the experience of walking and wheeling to the Etihad Stadium and Co-op Live Arena from the City Centre.
Castlefield Viaduct: Phase 2
The National Trust has now confirmed it has secured the majority of funding for the next phase of the Castlefield Viaduct expansion.
The once-disused Victorian Railway has been transformed into an urban skypark in recent years. Proposed plans will see the park expand to a length of 1km, creating an active travel route across the city.
The National Trust is now seeking a final £1.6 million in investment for it to be delivered.
Hilary McGrady, Director-general, National Trust said: “I’m pleased the Bupa Foundation are the first significant charitable grant we’ve received towards Phase Two of Castlefield Viaduct. Bupa’s funding will help the Trust extend the sky park project in Manchester, meaning more people will experience and benefit from this green space that sits in the heart of the city.
“Initiatives like Castlefield Viaduct, CyanLines and Bupa Healthy Cities demonstrate what’s possible when we work together and will have a transformative effect on the nature network and communities in Manchester. But more than that, it shows what can be done in cities right across the nation to help people and nature thrive.”
CL5 – Piccadilly to the Etihad Campus loop
Plans have been in development for the 3.7 mile (6 km) CL5 circular route over the past twelve months.
CyanLines and its partners Manchester City Football Club, Manchester City Council, Co-op Live and the Canal & River Trust have co-designed the route with community groups, young people and students from the Norman Foster Institute for Sustainable Cities through a series of design workshops and walks.
The CL5 route begins at Piccadilly station and follows the Ashton Canal through New Islington and Holt Town to the Etihad Campus including Co-op Live Arena, then it loops back towards the city centre joining the existing CityLink before heading through Medlock Valley to Mayfield then back to Piccadilly station.
The plans for route CL5 include:
- New play parks for children.
- Spots for grown-ups to rest.
- Extensive tree planting and the addition of rain gardens, wildflower meadows and green walls to encourage wildlife and enhance biodiversity.
- Access to the Etihad and Co-op Live Arena (Joe Mercer Way) from the Ashton Canal will be made significantly easier through the installation of a wheelchair friendly alternative.
- Physical barriers along the route will be removed to improve access for everyone.
- Lighting, surfacing and wayfinding along the whole route will be completely overhauled.
Mayor of Greater Manchester and co-chair of CyanLines Bev Craig said: “The new route between Piccadilly and the Etihad Campus is a really exciting next step. By making it easier to walk and wheel, removing barriers and bringing more trees, wildlife and welcoming public spaces along the way, CyanLines is turning that vision into reality.”
You can find out more about CyanLines here.
- Words:
- Bradley Lengden
- Published on:
- Wed 16 Sep 2026
