The new pop-up project has transformed a 90-metre stretch of Deansgate with trees, planters and bike parking...
CyanLines, the planned 100-mile network of walking, wheeling and cycling routes connecting Greater Manchester’s green and blue spaces, has launched a new pop-up project on Deansgate.
The year-long installation, outside the Great Northern, brings 12 sweet gum trees, planted seating and colourful cycle parking to a 90-metre stretch of the city centre street.
The project has been created in collaboration with Manchester City Council, City of Trees, CityCo and the Great Northern, close to the proposed CyanLines CL4 route.
It is intended to demonstrate how more planting and greenery could be incorporated into Manchester’s streets as the wider CyanLines network develops. The project launched in 2025 with plans to create more than 100 miles of connected routes over ten years, initially focused on Manchester and Salford city centres.
Steve Connor, interim programme director at CyanLines, said: “We are thrilled our first pop-up project is taking place on Deansgate, just a stone’s throw from the CyanLines route, CL4. This is about delivering a more connected, greener, healthier and more climate-resilient city for the future and we hope our trees, planters and cycle posts spark imaginations, conversations and ideas.”
The sweet gum trees have been placed in temporary planters and will eventually be replanted elsewhere in Greater Manchester. Their dark green leaves are expected to turn red and gold during autumn.
The beehive-style planters have been made by Touch Wood using reclaimed materials from construction sites across Greater Manchester, including sections of track from Manchester Cycling Centre’s velodrome.
They contain plants including lavender, thyme, hostas, juniper, sedums and cabbage palms, selected to cope with a busy city centre setting.
Two Bike Ports have also been installed, each providing space for up to eight bicycles. Painted yellow and polka dot in reference to the Tour de France, they arrive ahead of the Tour de France Femmes coming to Manchester in 2027, when a stage is due to finish on Deansgate.
According to CyanLines, 1.16 million journeys were recorded on the Deansgate cycleway between August 2025 and July 2026.
Councillor Garry Bridges, leader of Manchester City Council, said: “The city is on a mission to create more green spaces, plant more trees and encourage wildlife into the city. While this may be a temporary installation, it’s a welcome addition to one of the main roads in the city and we hope our residents, visitors and business owners will see the huge benefits trees and plants can bring to our streets.
“The addition of the brightly coloured cycle ports will provide much needed cycle parking to the area as more people experience the city on two wheels than ever before.
“The tree-lined section is just the start and we’ll continue to work with local residents and businesses on Deansgate, the CyanLines team and City of Trees to develop new ideas to let nature thrive and for people to enjoy.”
Mark Schofield, centre director at Great Northern, added: “We welcome the trees, planters and new cycle parking along our section of Deansgate, it will really bring the space to life and show there’s plenty of potential for future projects and plans.”
The installation is expected to remain on Deansgate for around 12 months.
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