A tapestry of humans and nature
Darrell Wilson explains how the new sky park at Castlefield Viaduct is bringing more nature, beauty and history to Manchester.
Castlefield Viaduct is the perfect example of how Manchester’s infrastructure intertwines history and culture. The city’s rich history, from its Roman origins with its pivotal role in the industrial revolution and subsequent transformation into a cultural hub gives the city its character.
The evolution of Castlefield reflects the broader shifts in transportation and industry that defined Manchester's growth. The viaduct itself stands as a testament to engineering ingenuity, serving as a vital artery for the movement of goods for nearly a century.
Even after its closure in 1969, the viaduct continued to play a significant role in shaping the landscape of Castlefield, becoming an iconic feature in various forms of media and cultural representations. Its adaptation into a leisure and cultural space underscores the city's ability to repurpose its industrial heritage for contemporary use, adding layers to its historical narrative. Now, tourists, historians and naturalists alike will be able to enjoy Manchester’s newest sky park for longer as the National Trust has been granted an extension to the popular Castlefield Viaduct gardens project.
Now, tourists, historians and naturalists alike will be able to enjoy Manchester’s newest sky park for longer as the National Trust has been granted an extension to the popular Castlefield Viaduct gardens project.
The client commissioned our team to take a major step forward in bringing life to the Viaduct and its 330-metre-long Grade II-listed structure. Our team of landscape architects and urban designers have led the design vision for this new community asset, working closely with the National Trust and the local community to reimagine the structure as a high-level green oasis; a beautiful tapestry of humans and nature
Our design approach retains the character and DNA of the historic elevated viaduct structure while unlocking its potential to deliver a vibrant, inclusive, and accessible public space. It is already a place like no other and it is fantastic to be working to bring to life a vision for the space that reaches far beyond its perceived potential. We know the benefits it can bring in terms of health, wellbeing, community and placemaking. The viaduct has become a genuine city detour that inspires a diverse range of people and ages with a range of ideas, installations, and artistic interventions. It is a landscape-led approach that creates a new city garden, breathes new life into the lungs of the city and gives us the opportunity to enhance the space for nature and beauty.
As we develop our concepts further with the community, we know it will become a place which drives and reflects the success of Greater Manchester. Our work here is central to realising the long-term vision: to supercharge the attributes of this great piece of Victorian engineering, creating a people-focused experience that balances heritage, biodiversity, and social value.
We are sure that the viaduct will continue to evolve as a springboard for nature, community engagement, and a legacy that connects people to place in innovative and inspiring ways.
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