The scheme, co-chaired by Bev Craig, has unveiled a new Piccadilly-to-Etihad route alongside fresh backing for the next phase of Castlefield Viaduct...
Plans have been revealed for a new 3.7-mile walking and wheeling route connecting Manchester Piccadilly with the Etihad Campus and Co-op Live.
The CL5 route is the latest project from CyanLines, the partnership working to connect Greater Manchester’s green and blue spaces through a network of walking, wheeling and cycling routes.
Beginning at Piccadilly station, the circular route will follow the Ashton Canal through New Islington and Holt Town to the Etihad Campus, before returning towards the city centre via CityLink, the Medlock Valley and Mayfield.
Plans include new play areas and places to rest, alongside tree planting, rain gardens, wildflower meadows and green walls. Lighting, surfacing and wayfinding would also be upgraded along the route.
Access between the Ashton Canal and the Etihad Campus at Joe Mercer Way is set to be improved with a wheelchair-friendly alternative, while other physical barriers along the route would be removed.
The route has been developed over the past year by CyanLines alongside Manchester City Football Club, Manchester City Council, Co-op Live and the Canal & River Trust, with input from community groups, young people and students from the Norman Foster Institute for Sustainable Cities.
CyanLines co-chair Bev Craig said: “The new route between Piccadilly and the Etihad Campus is a really exciting next step. By making it easier to walk and wheel, removing barriers and bringing more trees, wildlife and welcoming public spaces along the way, CyanLines is turning that vision into reality.”
The plans were announced as CyanLines marked its first anniversary at Aviva Studios, where it also confirmed new funding towards the next phase of Manchester’s Castlefield Viaduct.
The Bupa Foundation has awarded a charitable grant to the National Trust towards Phase Two of the project, which aims to extend the former railway viaduct into a 1km sky park and active travel route.
The majority of funding for the next phase has now been secured, although the National Trust is still seeking a final £1.6m before the plans can be delivered.
Hilary McGrady, Director-General of the National Trust, said: “I’m pleased the Bupa Foundation are the first significant charitable grant we’ve received towards Phase Two of Castlefield Viaduct.
“Bupa’s funding will help the Trust extend the sky park project in Manchester, meaning more people will experience and benefit from this green space that sits in the heart of the city.”
“Initiatives like Castlefield Viaduct, CyanLines and Bupa Healthy Cities demonstrate what’s possible when we work together and will have a transformative effect on the nature network and communities in Manchester.
“But more than that, it shows what can be done in cities right across the nation to help people and nature thrive.”
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