Plans to continue the transformation of Castlefield’s Victorian viaduct have moved a step forward following a funding boost of £2.5m.

Manchester City Council recently backed the second phase of the National Trust-led project, which will see the public space stretch across the entirety of the viaduct, 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 proposed second phase, the ‘nature-rich through route’ will extend from 150m to more than 350m.

The WaterAid Garden, which won gold at last year’s Chelsea Flower Show, will also be integrated into the longer path, along with a second entry and exit point with a lift and stairway on the west side of Mancunian Way.

Twelve Architects has been appointed to lead on the design, and work is projected to start in autumn this year, with the new section aiming to be open to visitors by summer 2026.

£2.4m of the funding has been committed by the National Highways Historical Railways Estate Team, working in partnership with the conservation charity. £100k will be funded by Manchester City Council, a further £100k has been pledged by Greater Manchester Combined Authority, and a grant of £150k is also being awarded from the Railway Heritage Trust.

Hilary McGrady, National Trust Director-General, says: “This funding is brilliant news for Castlefield – a hugely inspiring project to bring nature and green space to communities across Manchester. It will allow us to bring Phase 2 of this iconic sky park project to life, increasing its size and adding WaterAid’s striking Gold medal-winning garden from the 2024 RHS Chelsea Flower Show.

“Its popularity over the past few years demonstrates how residents and visitors to the city value access to the outdoors and experiencing nature up-close in an innovative industrial heritage setting.

The National Trust is now seeking the remaining £500,000 in funding from the private sector.

Words:
Bradley Lengden
Published on:
Wed 9 Jul 2025