A major project, known as CyanLines, could transform Manchester and Salford over the next decade, creating more than 100 miles of connected walking, wheeling and cycling routes, including floating walkways. The plans aim to link parks, rivers, canals and other green spaces, making it easier to travel without a car and improving access to nature.
Phased delivery over 10 years
The plans are expected to be delivered in phases over the next 10 years. The first routes will focus on Manchester and neighbouring Salford before expanding further. The wider ambition is to eventually connect all 10 Greater Manchester boroughs, creating new links between parks, rivers, canals, viaducts and waterfronts.
The first routes will connect destinations including Mayfield, New Islington Marina Park, Castlefield Viaduct, the Canal Basin, Symphony Park, Kampus and Ancoats Green. They will also include lesser-known pocket parks, canal towpaths and pedestrian walkways, as well as planned spaces such as the Science Museum courtyard, the former Central Retail Park, Victoria North, Holt Town and the Medieval Quarter.
Project backing and quotes
The project is backed by Manchester City Council, Greater Manchester Combined Authority and a range of public, private and charity partners. Pete Swift, CyanLines project co-founder and chief executive of landscape architecture practice Planit, said: "The first four CyanLines provide so much more than walkable and wheelable connections linking the existing and planned excellent green and blue spaces across the city, to bring us all closer to nature and nature closer to us." He added: "The routes will be the starting point, or spring board, for a whole plethora of CyanLines projects which will bring new opportunities for nature to thrive and to be enjoyed."
Tom Bloxham MBE CBE, chair of property developer Urban Splash, which co-founded CyanLines, said: "Our Cyan Lines network will not just connect these amazing spaces but will create opportunities for more projects and for residents, community groups, businesses and charities to get involved." Councillor Bev Craig, leader of Manchester City Council, said: "Manchester is on a mission to make our city greener. CyanLines is an exciting new initiative over the next decade to connect and create over 100 miles of connected parks, green spaces and waterfronts."
Support from National Trust and other partners
The National Trust is among the organisations backing the project. Mike Innerdale, Regional Director North of England at the National Trust, said: "National Trust are firm supporters of CyanLines, not least because its core aim mirrors our own of ensuring more people have access to nature particularly in our towns and cities, and to bring nature to people’s doorsteps wherever they live. We look forward to working with the CyanLines team and other partners as both our projects advance, connecting Castlefield viaduct with the other wonderful spaces in Manchester and Salford city centres."
Martyn Evans, Creative Director at property company Landsec, one of CyanLines' founding partners, added: "As joint custodians of Mayfield Park and the Dianne Oxberry Rose Garden and the Blue Peter garden at MediaCity, joining and supporting CyanLines is a no-brainer."
Partnership board and new founding partners
In June, CyanLines announced an 11-member partnership board to help oversee the plans, while four new organisations – BUPA, property consultancy OBI, planning advisers Euan Kellie Property Solutions and outdoor clothing brand Regatta – signed up as founding partners. Mr Bloxham said: "We were thrilled by the response to our call out to join our partnership board and I am really pleased with our mix of experienced and highly motivated individuals – it is certainly a group who get stuff done! Having robust governance and leadership is going to be crucial, particularly as we lobby for national and international funding to help deliver our ambitious plans to create CyanLines. We are well underway with agreeing and co-designing the first phase of CyanLines routes with our partners including building our investment case for them."
Councillor Bev Craig added: "CyanLines continues to build momentum and appointing our board is a significant step forward. With representatives from a range of organisations and sectors, the knowledge and expertise of the board will help us drive forward our plans to bring more nature into the city for the benefit of everyone who live, works and visits here."
