The National Trust Plans to Turn Castlefield Viaduct in Manchester into an “Urban Oasis”

The National Trust have unveiled plans for new, green, park space in Manchester city centre.

The Castlefield viaduct in Manchester city centre is set to be transformed, re-purposing the Grade II listed structure that has remained unused for the past 50-years into park space. The viaduct was historically used to move everything in and out of Manchester city centre, but it has not been used in 50-years.

The concept is inspired by the High Line in New York City, a public park built on a historic freight rail line elevated above the streets on Manhattan's West Side. The High Line was saved from demolition by local residents and the City of New York, re-opening in 2009 as a hybrid public space where visitors experience nature, art, and design. The impressive space re-purposed from the old Metro lines is filled with plants, seating and provides some interesting views of the city, which is what the National Trust are looking to achieve with the Castlefield viaducts.

The National Trust’s plans will see the Castlefield viaducts transformed into a temporary park this autumn and again in 2022. The Castlefield Viaducts will hopefully become a permanent feature in Manchester much like the New York City High Line, subject to the success over the next year and its viability.

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Demand for Access to Green Space

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Following a YouGov survey of 2,180 adults in the UK commissioned by Paymentshield, it was found that 19% are looking to move home in the next 2-years to gain access to outdoor space.

The top two reasons for moving were to move to a property with more green space and a property with more green surroundings.

The Castlefield Viaduct will provide access to green space for Manchester city centre residents, which has become prevalent during the COVID pandemic.

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