Green light for viaduct park plan
SECTION OF STRUCTURE WILL BE TRANSFORMED INTO URBAN OASIS
PLANS to turn an old disused viaduct in Manchester city centre into a elevated urban park have been given the green light.
The National Trust has been given temporary planning permission to transform a section of the Grade IIlisted Castlefield Viaduct into an urban oasis overlooking the city centre and beyond, similar to New York’s famous ‘High Line.’
It could open next summer and be free to enter, the NT have revealed.
Initially the park will be in place for a year, but the NT say during that time they want to ‘test ideas and gather feedback from its visitors to help determine the longer term future.’
Duncan Laird, head of urban places at the National Trust, said: “We’re delighted that our temporary planning application has been given the green light by Manchester city council.
“It’s a positive step towards realising our plans, and those of our partners and supporters.
“Earlier this year we invited the public to share their thoughts and give feedback on our plans to open the viaduct as a temporary urban park.
“We were encouraged by the positive response we received with so many people sharing our excitement about the potential benefits the viaduct could have on the area and those who live locally.
“We’re still in conversation with a number of key organisations whose support we need to make this a reality for Manchester, but we’re looking forward to sharing more news on our plans and progress in the new year.”
Mike Innerdale, regional director for the north at the National Trust, said: “The viaduct has stood in Manchester for over 125 years and we want to help the city to protect it, injecting the viaduct with a new lease of life so it becomes a space people can use and be proud of.
“We hope that by testing ideas, finding out what people really need from this unique space, and growing the number of supporters who can help us to make this happen, we can create something that will benefit generations for many years to come.”
Built in 1892 by Heenan and Froude, the same engineers who worked on the Blackpool Tower, the viaduct has not been in use for more than 50 years.
Entrance to park will be through a booking system.
The middle of the 330m viaduct will be transformed with plants and foliage to help attract wildlife.