Castlefield Viaduct could become garden bridge across city

Castlefield Viaduct opened as a temporary "sky park" in 2022

A disused railway viaduct in Manchester could become a permanent "garden bridge" across the city under new plans.

Castlefield Viaduct was opened as a temporary plant-filled "sky park" feature by the National Trust in 2022.

It is now hoped the project, which runs until autumn 2024, can be developed into a footbridge linking Pomona to the city centre.

The National Trust's Duncan Laird said the viaduct had "enormous potential".

"Designing a future for this structure that benefits the local community has always been at the heart of our work," Mr Laird, head of urban places, said.

The 125-year-old structure was last used as a railway in 1969

"The viaduct has enormous potential to bring people and nature together and provide active travel links to other areas of the city.

"We need local people to think big and bold and to tell us what they want it to look like, feel like, and ultimately, what they want the viaduct to do for them."

The charity is now consulting with people who live within 5km (3.2 miles) of the 125-year-old landmark on how it should be transformed.

Built in 1892 by Heenan and Froude, the viaduct was used to carry heavy rail traffic in and out of the Great Northern Warehouse until 1969 and has since been maintained by National Highways.

The National Trust is seeking people's views on the future of the viaduct

The temporary "sky park" garden was initially planned to be open for a year from 2022 and saw 3,000 plants bedded on the former railway.

But the popularity of the scheme saw it extended until autumn 2024 and the National Trust said more than 75,000 people had so far benefited from the project.

Suggested plans would see a new pedestrian bridge connect Manchester city centre with Pomona Island in Trafford and Woden Street Bridge to Salford.

However, Mr Laird said the vision would need "a large amount of funding and support from the public and private sector" and conversations with key stakeholders were ongoing.

"We want to do all we can to secure a future for this heritage site and maximise the viaduct's potential to benefit local people, nature and Manchester's economy," he said.