All you need to know about Manchester’s new High Line
The Castlefield Viaduct is an historic relic from 1892, used for 77 years to carry heavy rail traffic to and from the old Manchester Central railway station. It also just so happens to be minutes from our Manchester flats for sale, city centre – otherwise known as Potato Wharf.
Last year, temporary planning permission was granted by Manchester City Council to the National Trust, to transform the viaduct into an urban oasis to be enjoyed by the public. Work on the project has now begun, with the initial stage of the project estimated to cost around £1.8m. Overall, it’s expected to cost £20m to rejuvenate the 130-year-old bridge and create a calming place for visitors and residents to enjoy nature in the city.
Here’s everything you need to know about the new green space, right on Potato Wharf residents’ doorstep.
Similar to New York’s own High Line (an urban park built on an elevated, disused railway spur), Manchester’s equivalent will be a leafy hideaway for the public. Filled with flora and fauna, the elevated park will be a 330m-long green avenue connecting Castlefield to the centre of the city.
According to images released by Twelve Architects, it looks to be lined with blooming flowers in planters, as well as young trees and other greenery, with a landscaped pathway at the centre.
Meeting places are likely to be dotted throughout, as well as resting spaces in which the local community can sit back and enjoy nature in the heart of an urban place like Manchester.
Originally carrying 11 million passengers and 85 million tonnes of goods annually, Duncan Laird of the National Trusts hopes the bridge could eventually become a connecting cycle and walking route between Deansgate and Cornbrook.
The National Trust are working in partnership with the local community in Castlefield and Manchester City to hone the perfect space. The main aim is to bring this historic space back into use, and to create another green space that the public can use.
To test the space as a park, Castlefield Viaduct will open to the public in the summer of 2022, on a temporary basis. This will then inform what future plans for the viaduct will look like, should permanent planning be granted in the future, and sufficient funding raised.
Upon opening this summer, it will be free to enter. Initially, there will be a limit of 100 free tickets available each day, with the aim to create a permanent public space that will ultimately be open to all.
Potato Wharf, our collection of Manchester flats for sale city centre, is a 7-minute walk from the viaduct. This is an important addition to the range of benefits our residents gain by buying one of our new apartments. Even our 1 bedroom flats offer private outdoor space, surrounded by greenery and the historic area that is Castlefield. Yet another curated, green space on our doorstep is a welcome addition to the nearby area – and if your apartment is on the seventh floor, you’ll get a great view of the Castlefield Viaduct from your balcony.
The quickest way to get to the Castlefield Viaduct from Manchester City Centre is by tram or bicycle. The Pink Line from St Peter’s Square will get you to there in 13 minutes, or you can borrow a bike and cycle there in 9 minutes. A leisurely walk will also only take you 18 minutes – so why not go by foot and enjoy the walk?
View our Potato Wharf development page to find out more about the last few remaining Manchester flats for sale, City Centre.
All images courtesy of Twelve Architects.
Watch the video below for more information from The National Trust.
