The 330-metre-long Grade II-listed Castlefield Viaduct in central Manchester has been transformed into a vibrant public space. Connecting the city centre with Salford and Trafford, the project incorporates green and blue infrastructure, enhancing wildlife habitats. Through one-to-one community engagement and use of local materials, the viaduct preserves its industrial heritage. It aims to attract tourists and boost local businesses, revitalising the area as a key cultural and economic asset.

*Future Public Realm is supported by Vestre*

Who is on the project? 

BDP led multi-disciplinary design team (including Mott MacDonald, Deco-Publique, Smiling Wolf, BB Heritage, Stace)

Describe the context of this project, its neighbourhood and community.

The National Trust, commissioned BDP, in taking a big step forward to bringing life to the Castlefield Viaduct, a 330-metre-long Grade II-listed viaduct that sits as a major heritage asset. The Castlefield Viaduct, located in central Manchester, connects the City Centre with Salford and Trafford. The vision aims for the Viaduct to become a destination, a place for people and nature, a high-level green oasis. It will connect people and places and become a springboard to building a legacy for nature in the heart of Manchester. Keeping the character and DNA of the Viaduct, the Viaduct will create a vibrant people focused experience that leaves us all with a smile on our face, a sense of pride, joy and wellbeing. By working with and for local people, the viaduct is a springboard to projects on and off site in the wider community – Our vision is people powered, to create an equitable public space where everyone who can use it also can shape it. The vision is led by the input and support of local stakeholders, residents and volunteers to create a meaningful canvas for all. “Our ambition for the Castlefield Viaduct, is to create a place like no other. A place which reaches beyond its potential. A genuine City detour which inspires, that serves a diverse range of people and ages with a diverse range of ideas. A place which drives the success of Manchester. We want to create a place which feels great to be in.”

Please describe your approach to this future public realm, including its purpose and motivation. How does it knit into, and serve the needs of, the wider area?

Fundamentally, the vision and ambition for Castlefield Viaduct is a process of co-design, shaped by the communities and stakeholders that will use, benefit and care for this exceptional Manchester landmark. First and foremost people want this to be a green space; where they can rest, relax in nature. The viaduct should be a place where community is nurtured and local people can use it daily. “Make it a bold, beautiful space. Make it a place with zones and areas of different moods, textures and tempos. Make it worthy of its setting.” It should become an equitable public space that everyone can use where everyone who has the opportunity to use it also has the opportunity to shape it. The project embeds co-design principles in engaging communities, stakeholders and partners. The long-term goal is to ensure that designs and future thinking are informed and influenced by the creation of opportunities for engagement and participation and where everyone involved has the ability to have their voice heard. Our aim with ‘Co-design’ is more than having workshops for community engagement. The project programme allowed us to connect with people one-to-one, to try things out and learn new viewpoints and experiences. The process included pre-briefing and debriefing and included all ‘co-designers’ in the influencing and decision-making of the Vision. The project engagement programme provided a broad range of opportunities for participation and input from digital community events, reaching young to old, and ensuring a diverse representation of people were involved in decision-making.

Describe the social impact of the project: How will it contribute to the economic, environmental and social wellbeing of the wider place and its community?

By transforming a previously inaccessible industrial heritage structure into a vibrant public space, the project is expected to attract tourists and visitors, boosting local businesses and retail. Increase property values in the vicinity due to the enhanced attractiveness of the area, create job opportunities, both during the construction phase and in the long-term maintenance and operation of the park, and stimulate further investment in the surrounding area, potentially leading to more redevelopment projects. The environmental benefits of the Castlefield Viaduct project are substantial, focusing on creating a nature-rich elevated green corridor. This initiative will Increase biodiversity by introducing a variety of tree and shrub species, providing habitats for nesting birds and bats. Improve air quality through the addition of green spaces that can absorb pollutants. Enhance the urban ecology, contributing to a more sustainable city environment. Offer seasonal interest through the selection of plant species, ensuring year-round ecological benefits. Socially, the Castlefield Viaduct project aims to foster a strong sense of community and wellbeing among the local population and visitors. The viaduct will be a springboard to projects on and off site. It is designed to provide a free-to-access green space, addressing the need for more public outdoor areas in Manchester. Serve as a communal area where local people can gather, socialize, and participate in community events. Promote physical health and mental wellbeing through nature engagement and outdoor activities. Celebrate the historical significance of the viaduct and the industrial success of Manchester, offering educational opportunities through immersive interpretation and workshops.