Manchester sky park Castlefield Viaduct to reopen to the public complete with new space

Castlefield Viaduct will reopen to the public this weekend - complete with a new space.  Manchester's sky park has been closed since early January to allow time for a new community workshop space to be added to the 330-metre steel viaduct.

It will be open again from Saturday with  ‘green workshops’, craft sessions and DIY activities to be hosted in the space to pass on horticultural skills like seed sowing and propagation.

The National Trust opened the viaduct in July 2022 as a pilot project to gauge public opinion on the future of the Manchester landmark. Its initial year-long lifespan was extended last year but the trust is working to secure funding to ensure the viaduct’s future beyond autumn 2024 - when it is currently slated to close. One proposal has seen the trust consult locals on extending the viaduct to Pomona Island, creating a new link between Trafford and Manchester City Centre.

Costing £1.8 million, the pilot has been made possible thanks to players of People’s Postcode Lottery, as well as donations from individuals, trusts and foundations and corporate companies which covers two-thirds of the build costs. To help build a longer-term future for the viaduct, the conservation charity launched the Castlefield Viaduct Club inviting corporate companies to pledge their support. The National Trust is also seeking partners to support the funding of the viaduct’s summer 2024 events and activities for the local community. 

A covered event space on the viaduct is available to hire by businesses and community groups for meetings or events, with income supporting the project. Those visiting the viaduct day-to-day can also help keep the viaduct growing by donating on the day or via the website.

Entry onto the structure will remain free when it reopens to the public on Saturday, February 10. Members of the public can visit, without booking, every afternoon from 12.30pm and all day on Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday. 

The workshop space features a workbench that can be modified for wheelchair users, mini greenhouses to support growing on the viaduct, peat-free soil for workshop participants, and water and power. Depending on the activity, up to 10 people can use the area. The team on the viaduct are inviting local groups and communities to get in touch at [email protected] to enquire about using space.

Nancy Scheerhout, National Trust Head Gardener for Castlefield Viaduct, said: “We’re delighted to have worked with our partners, Sow the City, to bring this new workshop space to the viaduct. It will provide us and our community partners with a dedicated area to get more people involved in, and benefitting from, green activities. We’ve made the space as sociable and hands-on as possible.”