Plans to extend Castlefield viaduct have been approved

Plans to continue the transformation of Castlefield’s Victorian viaduct have been approved.

Manchester City Council has backed the second phase of the National Trust-led project, which will see the public space stretch across the entire 330 metre-long viaduct which was once used to carry heavy rail traffic in and out of Manchester Central Station and the Great Northern Warehouse.

Around one-third of the Grade II-listed viaduct opened to the public back in 2022. As part of this second phase, new access points will be created, including stairs and a lift from Egerton Street, and new sections named ‘The Garden’ and ‘The Broadwalk’.

Nichola Jacques, Castlefield Viaduct project manager, said: “We’re delighted that our planning application for the next phase of Castlefield Viaduct has been given the green light by Manchester City Council.

“It’s a positive step towards realising our bigger plans, and those of our partners and supporters. As a charity, we have a purpose to deliver benefit to the nation through nature, history and beauty. The viaduct gives us an opportunity to create an accessible green space for the 50,000 residents living within a twenty-minute walk of the area.

“As well as transforming the viaduct into a green space for people, we recognise the importance of the viaduct to Manchester’s history and the need to protect it. We now need to confirm the funding to make this a possibility for Manchester. Our conversations are continuing with several funders and supporters for Phase 2 and we hope to be able to provide an update in the coming months.”

The National Trust is now seeking to secure the funding of £3m to fund the project, with the hopes that construction could get underway this year.