Vision unveiled for Castlefield Viaduct-Pomona Island link
Proposals for revitalising the grade two-listed Manchester city centre landmark include its extension into a one kilometre-long garden bridge under plans driven by “nature, beauty, and history”.
National Trust has launched a consultation on its vision for the future of the iconic Castlefield Viaduct. The consultation can be accessed at nationaltrust.org.uk.
BDP is working with the charity on the proposals, with the overarching aim to extend and connect the 330-metre bridge to Pomona Island in Trafford and create an active travel route through the city.
Place North West spoke to both National Trust and BDP in July about the next steps for the viaduct, one year after the space was transformed into a sky garden. The sky garden opened in July 2022 to visitors as a year-long pilot, but this was extended last summer to 2024.
The latest proposals build on this idea to “provide relief from urban bustle through an immersive landscape and engaging environment”, according to consultation documents. This relief would be achieved through continued planting schemes and enhanced green space anchored by “nature, beauty, and history.”
Another main focus of the project would be to connect the space to both its past and future with digital interactions and various structures, with the intention of preserving the viaduct’s heritage and character while giving it a new purpose.
Built in 1892, Castlefield Viaduct was used to carry heavy rail traffic in and out of the Great Northern Warehouse until 1969 and has been unused since.
It is hoped that the landmark site would attract both tourists and the local community, developed to allow activities to take place.
National Trust notes that funding is still needed to turn these ideas into a reality.
Last July, National Trust told Place that if the estimated £25m required for funding can be secured, the park could become a permanent fixture in Manchester.
It is estimated that for every £1 of investment in the project, there will be £6 of benefits for Manchester’s local economy in terms of attracting people nationally and possibly even globally.
Manchester’s very own High Line. Yes. Surely this shouldn’t take too long to create either?
By Verticality
Makes complete sense really. Having this link would be one step closer to creating a green, attractive link between MediaCity and Ancoats via the city centre. To complete the link, the riverfront walk from MediaCity to Pomona needs to be cleaned and de-weeded (not a huge task), which can link to this wonderful elevated section, that at Deansgate Station, drops down to the canal to Ancoats. This leg also needs cleaning up, with especially the sections under bridges turned into less-stabby places.
Once complete, it would be amazing
By EOD
It would be perfect if Ponoma was a nice green space not some mish mash of apartments.
By Anonymous
They should have put Therme on Pomona Island.
By Elephant
Wonderful proposal. Hopefully they won’t have to limit the numbers
Quite so much. Also considering the very interesting history of Pomona even before the docks, I have to agree, Therme would seem like an ideal venue although I can see why Peel are building it next to the Trafford centre .
By Anonymous
Potential to be a great scheme. Not without challenges though, particularly around level changes. The existing garden is really good, but not very accessible.
By Local Interest
“It is estimated that for every £1 of investment in the project, there will be £6 of benefits for Manchester’s local economy.” The perfect reason for not “wasting tax-payers money”. There is no such thing a society or economics.
By Anonymous
Pamona is the biggest lost opportunity in Manchester. Peel just couldn’t be bothered. Could have been great, extended the city centre to Salford Quays.
By Anonymous
Make it even bigger!
By Anonymous
Let’s hope the National Trust can get the full funding for this, definitely a very worthy and exciting addition to the city centre given the great addition of green space.
By Anonymous
Sounds great but when I visited recently the first part of development it was impossible to actually find the place! No clear direction anywhere. Think this must be sorted
By Anonymous
Fantastic photo… Roman fort, Victorian industrial superstructure, glass skyscrapers.
By Anonymous
Great – hopefully peel will chip in
By Cheggers
Yes please brilliant idea. Anything to avoid traffic and bring greenery into our area is always welcome
By Local resident