The stunning footage of vision for Manchester's 'perfect place to slow down and relax' Castlefield Viaduct

The National Trust and architecture firm BDP have released a fly-through video of the proposed Castlefield project, titled the ‘Vision’. In its current form, the sky garden occupies around one third of the total abandoned railway near the Castlefield/Deansgate Metrolink stop. Under the new plans, it would be extended through the full 330m railway line.  

The planning application for the extension will be submitted in August following further consultations with the public and other stakeholders. 

These long-term plans for the Viaduct also include the creation of seven distinct “character” areas, designed with different aspects of the city and its history in mind, such as the Strawberry Garden, inspired by the long lost Victorian recreation garden at Cornbrook; or the Village Hub, which provides a space for community growing. There will also be spaces for other events and activities. 

The National Trust project manager for Castlefield Viaduct, Nichola Jacques, said: “We want people to slow down. People have told us that they want a space to come and reflect, relax. Slowing people down with a windier path and giving secondary routes through, so that people can really take their time and reflect. Essentially, what the public told us what they wanted is what's here and more of it.”