Castlefield Viaduct secures £2.75m for expansion
Phase two of the National Trust’s ‘sky walk’ will build on the first stretch of repurposed railway, extending the viaduct’s accessible length by 250 metres.
Currently, the route ends with a canopied glass walk looking out onto the untouched and overgrown phase two element of the viaduct.
Phase two will act as a continuation of the current attraction, extending winding paths through planted areas, allowing visitors to connect with nature in the heart of the city’s industrial past.
In addition, the WaterAid Garden – a gold medal-winning garden from last year’s RHS Chelsea Flower Show – will feature on the extended path.
A second entry and exit point will open up the ‘sky walk’ as a through route, with a lift and stairway set to be added to the west side of Mancunian Way.
Twelve Architects has led on design, and with work due to start in autumn this year, the new section could be open to visitors by summer 2026.
The scheme will be extended by 250 metres. Credit: Twelve Architects
Bev Craig, Leader of Manchester City Council, said the viaduct’s transformation was “an incredible example of urban regeneration”.
She added: “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 scheme’s second phase has been made possible via a £2.4m fund from the National Highways Historical Railways Estate Team. Manchester City Council and the Greater Manchester Combined Authority have each supplied £100,000 toward the project, while the Railway Heritage Trust has contributed £150,000.
The National Trust is now seeking the final £500,000 in funding for greening the site, which it hopes to receive from the private sector.
Funding will be primarily used to cover the costs of the structural, access, and construction improvements applied during the phase.
Helene Rossiter, head of the Historical Railways Estate Programme at National Highways, said: “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.”
Work starting on phase two would be a further step in the masterplan for the viaduct, which includes several entry and exit points to the viaduct and adds a walkway providing access towards Salford and Trafford.
