Bring New York’s High Line Park to Manchester, says BDP

ARCHITECTS at BDP in Manchester are working with residents in Castlefield to campaign for disused railway viaducts to be converted into a park.

The idea was first mooted in the 1990s and resurrected last year by BDP when it drew up a list of ways the “fragmented zone” beyond the city centre could be rejuvenated.

Speaking at an event organised by city centre management company Cityco in July 2011, BDP’s Manchester head Gavin Elliot said the Castlefield viaduct could be like New York’s High Line Park.

BDP is now collaborating with the Castlefield Forum on the plan which is being talked up as Manchester’s Hanging Gardens of Babylon.

“It’s the start of a long road,” said BDP landscape architect and urban design associate Darrell Wilson. “It would be amazing if the vision could be realised.

“It will be much more than a walkway but a multifaceted, community-owned space that creates the opportunity for residents to socialise, grow their own produce, even have barbecues in the summer – all within a beautiful and naturally designed landscape. A special place that leaves another memorable and lasting imprint on the rich cultural heritage of Castlefield.”

Castlefield Forum committee member Ali McGowan, said: “There is a long way to go and we know there is much hard work to be done. Our work now is all about gaining momentum for this project and exploring how BDP’s vision could work and how well chosen partnerships could make this project economically viable going forward.

“We don’t see an overnight solution for the issue of funding, but as a community, and with the help of BDP are making proactive steps to set us on the right track. It may take 10-15 years, but Castlefield will have its Hanging Gardens.”

The first park on an elevated railway line was Paris’ Promenade Plantee, built in 1986. Manhatten’s High Line Park was founded in 1999 and took 10 years to complete and cost $112m. BDP says it has since attracted $2bn of investment to the area and attracted over four million visitors a year.

BDP’s other ideas included: creating a floating village at Pomona Docks; opening urban farms that would deliver fresh produce to city centre markets; a botanical garden and zoo in the Irk Valley, east of the centre; a museum quarter; and an urban amusement park.