Vision for 100-mile network to link Manchester’s green and blue spaces
Cyan Lines will plug gaps in walking and cycling routes across Manchester and Salford in a bid to give the cities’ residents better access to nature.
The initiative will aim to create an uninterrupted 100-mile network incorporating existing pocket parks, canals, squares, and rivers.
It will join up green and blue spaces such as New Islington Marina, Mayfield Park, and Castlefield Viaduct Park.
The Cyan Lines initiative will launch on 10 September with an event at Aviva Studios in Manchester.
Cllr Bev Craig, Leader of Manchester City Council said Cyan Lines forms part of the city’s mission to be greener.
“The city has exciting plans in the long term but there’s more that we can do together,” she said.
“Cyan Lines is an exciting new initiative over the next decade to imagine and create 100 miles of connected parks, green spaces and waterfronts.”
She added: “As well as making our city a more attractive place, Cyan Lines will bring together the private, public, charity and voluntary sectors to unlock a raft of benefits for the city, from better health and wellbeing, through to increased urban biodiversity, a boost to tourism, more walking and cycling routes and, crucially, increasing the city’s resilience in the face of the changing climate.”
Manchester City Council is supporting and co-ordinating all Cyan Lines activity while it explores the most appropriate governance and delivery options, such as a CIC or charity.
The initiative is being steered by Urban Splash chair Tom Bloxham and Planit co-founder Pete Swift, who are mapping out potential pilot projects.
“We did not have hunting grounds for kings, dukes and lords in Manchester, so we have no grand central parks, but we do have excellent green, blue and brown spaces which, if joined up will provide an amazing legacy for future generations,” Bloxham said.
“Our Cyan Lines network will not just connect these amazing spaces but will create opportunities for more projects and for residents, community groups, businesses and charities to get involved.”
Swift said his hope is that Cyan Lines will speed up the change already happening across Greater Manchester.
“Greater Manchester’s towns and cities are slowly turning greener, but the pace is too slow,” he said.
“We look to cities like Copenhagen and Paris where through intentional and focused partnerships, united behind bold visions, good change can happen quickly.
“By reclaiming our urban spaces, connecting them up and creating green vibrant life, where people and nature can thrive, we will deliver a truly incredible legacy for the city and the millions living across its ten connected boroughs.”
