The National Trust has today announced an exciting development in the transformation of a Grade II Victorian viaduct in the heart of Manchester.
A significant proportion of the funding needed for the next phase of the Castlefield Viaduct project has been secured and will go towards increasing the scale of the current ‘sky park’ experience and turning it into a nature-rich through route to include the addition of The WaterAid Garden – a gold medal-winning garden from last year’s RHS Chelsea Flower Show[1].
National Highway’s Historical Railways Estate Team, working in partnership with the conservation charity, has committed £2.4 million to fund a significant part of the structural and foundation work for ‘Phase 2’ of the project. A further £100k will be funded by Manchester City Council, £100k has been pledged by Greater Manchester Combined Authority, and a grant of £150k is also being given to the project from the Railway Heritage Trust. Other supporters and funders are now being urged to donate to cover the remaining amount needed to ‘green up’ the extension.
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.
“This is something we want to continue and do more and more of in the years to come at the Trust. That is why this funding is so important. Our aim over the next 10 years is to ensure more people have access to nature particularly in our towns and cities, and to bring nature to people’s doorsteps wherever they live.
“Thank you to everyone involved. This project is something the Trust – and all the organisations and companies involved – are so proud of.”
The National Trust first opened Castlefield Viaduct in July 2022 to gauge public opinion on the future of the Manchester landmark. Members of the public and local community have shown strong support for the project, wanting the Grade II listed structure to remain open as an accessible green space.
Current visitors to the viaduct can walk through a series of spaces and gardens before coming to an untouched and overgrown section of the structure beyond a glass wall. It’s this untouched section where the Phase 2 transformation will take place – extending the viaduct experience for visitors from 150 metres to over 350 metres. Plans include winding paths through planted areas to encourage people to take time out from the busy city below and connect with nature.
A second entry and exit point will also be added to the west side of Mancunian Way via a lift and stairway, turning it into a through route for the very first-time and making it more accessible for people with limited mobility.
A longer-term masterplan – The Vision [2] – could see the viaduct join up to other areas of the city, increasing access towards Salford and Trafford and taking the benefits way beyond the physical structure of the viaduct in Castlefield.
Helene Rossiter, National Highways’ Head of Historical Railways Estate Programme, says: “We’re delighted to continue playing a significant part in resurrecting this stunning structure. We’ve always shared the National Trust’s ambition to transform Castlefield Viaduct into an urban park and meeting place that connects the local community with nature and Manchester’s rich history and we’re very excited about the future plans.
“Bringing the viaduct back to life after many decades of maintaining it and keeping it safe reinforces our commitment to repurposing structures for future use wherever possible, and it’s a privilege to help fund phase two of the project which will see the sky park extended and transformed into a stunning green through-route for everyone in the city to enjoy.”
Councillor Bev Craig, Leader of Manchester City Council, says: “The transformation of the Castlefield Viaduct has been an incredible example of urban regeneration and the benefits it can bring for our residents, improving access to nature and green space in the heart of our city. We are proud to have been able to channel additional funding towards this project.
“We feel a deep connection to our heritage in Manchester and the Castlefield Viaduct is a living symbol of that. Not only does it span the old Roman fort which was the genesis of the Manchester we know today, but it also calls back to the era of the industrial revolution when our city’s rail network and industry were at the forefront of an expanding world.
“The confirmation that funding has been secured for the next stage of this project is welcome news as it will allow for the continued preservation of Manchester’s architectural heritage, as well as expanding a valuable area of calm, green space in the heart of Manchester city centre.”
Councillor Tom Ross, Greater Manchester Combined Authority’s lead for Green City-Region, says:“The investment in Castlefield Viaduct marks an important step in how we reimagine spaces across Greater Manchester to serve the needs of our communities. By transforming this historic structure into a nature-rich sky park, we’re protecting a valuable part of our shared heritage while contributing to a greener, more sustainable city region.
“This is about creating healthier, more liveable places across all ten boroughs, with access to green space as a key part of how we shape a better future for everyone.”
The recently secured funding will cover the costs of the key structural, access and construction improvements to Phase 2 with funding still needed for the planting scheme – for the trees, plants and outdoor seating areas to create an urban oasis for people and nature to enjoy. The National Trust is estimating the funding shortfall to be in the region of £500k, but this may increase due to the current economic climate.
The structural work for Phase 2 of the viaduct is expected to start in the autumn with the new section expected to open in summer 2026.
Calum McGowan, Chair of Castlefield Forum, says: “Castlefield Forum is thrilled to see Phase 2 moving forward through our close partnership with the National Trust. Partnerships like ours anchor the National Trust in a local community and will contribute to the Viaduct’s sustainability. As the lead community organisation for Castlefield, we are proud of our role in helping to inspire and shape these plans and can’t wait to see the extension of this unique elevated park become a permanent reality for both residents and visitors from far and wide.”
To help cover the remaining funding needed for the Phase 2 extension, the National Trust is keen to hear from organisations, businesses or individuals who would like to support the project. Ways to back the project include the Castlefield Viaduct Club inviting corporate companies to pledge their support. Those visiting the viaduct day-to-day can also help keep it growing by donating on the day or giving online at www.nationaltrust.org.uk/castlefield-viaduct-donate
Mike Innerdale, Regional Director for the North at the National Trust, says: “As a conservation charity, we rely heavily on partners, funders and members to support our work. We couldn’t have got this far without the generous funding and donations we’ve received from so many supporters and individuals since we started this incredible journey with Manchester in 2021. The funding received so far for Phase 2 is testament to everyone who has dreamed big and got behind the project. The work doesn’t stop there though, and we need other potential funders to come to the table now, to make this phase of the project a reality and the best it can possibly be for people and nature.”
Castlefield Viaduct is open to the public every week from Wednesday to Sunday. Advance booking for the viaduct has now been completely removed, allowing visitors to explore at their own leisure. To find out more about Castlefield Viaduct, view the future plans for the green space and donate, visit: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/castlefield-viaduct
