This week will see the long-awaited opening of the city’s first new public park for over 100 years, as Mayfield opens its gates this Thursday 22nd September.
The last 18 months have seen the vast, mostly derelict, former industrial site next to Piccadilly Station transformed into a stunning, accessible and varied green space for all to enjoy.
The Park has been more than six years in the planning, design and delivery. In 2020, the UK Government pledged £23m of investment from its Getting Building Fund – one of the largest investments in any single project – to Mayfield Park.
Mayfield Park’s main entrance on Baring Street will open to the public at 12.30pm on Thursday 22nd September.
From then on it will be open from dawn until dusk, seven days a week – which is in line with all other parks in the city – providing local residents, visitors and communities across Manchester with a city centre oasis of green space and beautifully landscaped river walkways.
Martyn Evans, Creative Director at U+I, the regeneration company leading the Mayfield development on behalf of the Mayfield Partnership said: “September 22nd is a momentous day for Mayfield, and Manchester.
“The greatest cities in the world offer a true blend of amazing culture, great architecture and green space. Manchester is one such city and Mayfield Park adds a significant piece of new, family-friendly, inclusive green space to the city centre.
“It’s been a true team effort with our project team and our partners at Manchester City Council, Transport for Greater Manchester and LCR working closely with local building contractors PP O’Connor to deliver the park.
“We are incredibly proud of what we’ve achieved and we’re excited to welcome our first visitors on 22nd September.”
Cllr Bev Craig, Leader of Manchester City Council said: “There are some projects that feel so momentous in the development story of our city that we look forward to them with great anticipation. Mayfield Park is one of those developments – a project that has true transformational potential for this part of our city.
“It’s with excitement then that we can look ahead to the official opening of the city centre’s first public park in 100 years later this week. We know the massive health and well-being benefits that green spaces can have for our residents and increasing access to parks for our residents is a key priority for us. Mayfield will be a 6.5 acre oasis at the heart of our city.
“Green investment is fundamental to our wider ambitions to improve air quality and underpins our work to strengthen Manchester’s resilience to climate change. Mayfield is a park first and foremost, but it is also a statement that development in the city can and should celebrate green spaces to become a focal point in our communities.
“Importantly, Mayfield also represents a significant economic boost for Manchester. The partnership has shopped local when procuring contractors to make sure that employment opportunities have benefited local companies and local people first. During the ongoing cost-of-living crisis, it’s this type of development that provides the jobs that our residents need – and makes sure Manchester people continue to share in the success of our city.”
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