Castlefield Viaduct sky park to remain open until autumn 2024

Manchester’s sky park at Castlefield Viaduct is to remain open with visitors welcome until autumn 2024.

The good news comes after the National Trust was granted an extension by Manchester City Council to keep the locally loved garden, which opened last summer.

The temporary green space was created on a disused railway viaduct built in 1892, but which has stood empty since 1969, and has brought a little slice of nature and solitude to the bustling city centre.

The announcement has been made almost one year before the project – made possible by players of the People’s Postcode Lottery and gifts from individuals and organisations – reaches its first birthday on July 30th.

The conservation charity has also announced the appointment of landscape architects from Manchester based design practice, BDP, which will work with the Trust, partners and the community to develop bigger, bolder plans for the next phase of the viaduct, for which funding is still required.

The urban gardens, created from a mix of National Trust planting and plots designed and grown by community organisations, will remain as temporary ‘installations’.

Meanwhile the National Trust will continue to gather feedback and fundraise in efforts to create a permanent feature on the 330-metre steel, Victorian-era, Grade II listed viaduct.

The garden’s season displays seek to inspire its visitors to leave their feedback on how they’d like to see the space used in the future via feedback surveys.

Duncan Laird, Head of Urban Places at the National Trust says: “We’re delighted to be staying open for another year so we can continue to provide visitors with moments of joy and build momentum to create a future for this fantastic place.

“As we enter this next phase of the project, we can start to truly understand what this space could become – and how it can serve future generations.

“This won’t happen without big investment however, and we hope BDP can help us create a vision for this space to reflect ambitious plans for the city that investors want to be part of.

“Bringing nature and beauty to the centre of urban areas is something that we are passionate about. We want to bring more nature, beauty and history to urban areas as we know the benefits it can bring in terms of health, wellbeing, community and placemaking.”

James Millington, Landscape Architect Director at BDP, commented: “Castlefield Viaduct is a place like no other and it is fantastic to be working with the National Trust to bring to life a vision for the space that reaches far beyond its perceived potential.

“Over the last year, the viaduct has become a genuine city detour that inspires a diverse range of people and ages with a range of ideas, installations, and artistic interventions.

“It is a landscape-led approach that creates a new city garden, breathes new life into the lungs of the city and gives us the opportunity to enhance the space for nature and beauty.

“As we develop our concepts further with the community, we know it will become a place which drives and reflects the success of Greater Manchester. 

“We will be supercharging the attributes of this great piece of Victorian engineering to create a vibrant, people-focused experience that leaves a smile on the face of all who visit.”

Wednesday At One Talks

Wednesday At One Talks will give visitors a chance to hear from experts talk about a particular aspect of the viaduct project and the National Trust’s work.

Sundowners

Sundowners see a whole host of evening performances that showcase local talent while the sun goes down over Manchester.

Family trails

Family trails will run during the summer holidays with family friendly activities planned before the kids go back to school.

Entry onto the viaduct remains free. Book for a guided visit between 11am to 12.30pm every day (except Wednesdays), to find out more about its history.

To explore the garden at your own pace and without any need to book, just head over to it every afternoon from 1–3.30pm.