Sky park planned for Manchester Central

Ian Simpson Architects has revealed plans for a sky park to be built at the rear of Manchester Central, which was formerly the G-Mex.

The plans were shown in a presentation by the architect practice at MIPIM last week and the proposals have the backing of the Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Authority.

The presentation showed a first floor park, which looks south over the city, and a new station with three tracks taking trams out to Media City UK in Salford and to the airport, as well as across Manchester.

A new glass bridge, linking Deansgate station and improved pedestrian access from the tram stop into the city, is also planned.

Funding is likely to come from a mix of public and private funding and the new station could be open by 2014.