Castlefield Viaduct could become new link between Trafford and Manchester City Centre with Pomona Island plan

The National Trust is asking Mancunians to share their thoughts on proposed plans to extend the Castlefield Viaduct to Pomona Island. 

The Castlefield Viaduct in its current form opened in summer 2022 as a way of revitalising the Victorian railway which had been abandoned since 1969. It is a Grade II listed viaduct, designed by Heenan and Froude, the engineers behind the Blackpool Tower.  The green ‘sky garden’ is the only National Trust site in Manchester and since opening, it has welcomed almost 50,000 visitors. It was initially intended to open temporarily for a year, but these plans were extended to summer 2024. 

Castlefield Viaduct  is currently 330m long and the proposals would see it extended to Pomona Island, a former dockyard, in Trafford. 

Why extend the Castlefield Viaduct?

The National Trust’s vision is a six-point plan that focuses on respecting the landmark’s historical importance, strengthening the community, connecting Manchester’s past with its future development, nurturing nature in an urban environment, and creating a new travel route between the city centre and Trafford and Salford. 

The organisation hopes that the new urban park will attract tourists and encourage locals to explore the city. 

The National Trust’s plan reads: "Castlefield Viaduct will become a destination in its own right. Connecting people and places and become a springboard to building a lasting legacy for nature in the heart of Manchester. Keeping the character and DNA of the viaduct, whilst making the most of what it can offer. It will create a vibrant people-focussed experience that leaves us all with a smile on our face, a sense of pride, joy and wellbeing.” 

How to get involved

People can explore the plans in more detail and have their say on the proposals via the National Trust website. The organisation also offers free guided tours of the sky garden, which you can book online via the website.