There was emotional scenes in Castlefield today as the landmark Castlefield Viaduct sky garden project officially launched. The garden, which boasts a whopping 3000 plants along 310 metres of the 125-year-old, Grade II listed Victorian railway viaduct, will open its gates officially to the public on Saturday 30 July.

It’s about creating something new for the community, while also protecting an iconic piece of industrial history.

Joyful tears were shed at the launch from National Trust staff, community groups and partners alike, as well as the Manchester sky which served up some post-historic heatwave trademark drizzle.

Flowers At Castlefield Viaduct Sky Park In Manchester — **Flowers make the most of a good old fashioned downpour** Image: Confidentials

Another historic moment in the history of Castlefield

Manchester’s newest green space, which took five months to complete, is free to the public with visitors slots bookable online. The pilot project will run for 12 months with the viaduct’s future to be decided by public consultation and the success of the initial year.

Community groups have previously revealed their hopes for the future of the space, including an extension of the 310m stretch and use of the viaduct as an active travel corridor.

The View Of The Remaining Untouched Viaduct At Castlefield Viaduct Sky Park In Manchester — **The view of the remaining untouched Castlefield viaduct from the park's event space** Image: Confidentials

Hilary McGrady, Director-General of the National Trust says: “Today is incredibly exciting. The idea of transforming the viaduct has been around for a while, but it was always put in the ‘too hard to achieve box’ and set aside.

“For that long-held vision to finally come to life is therefore testament to the strong partnerships we have formed and the hard work of so many.

The View Of The Castlefield Viaduct Garden Towards Beetham In Manchester — **The view towards Beetham Tower** Image: Confidentials

“What I love about this space is that it encapsulates so much of what the Trust’s work is about: opening up our shared heritage for everyone to enjoy, creating beautiful spaces and bringing people closer to nature. It’s about creating something new for the community, while also protecting an iconic piece of industrial history.

“We hope hundreds of people will visit and enjoy spending time in nature among the trees, shrubs and wildlife that is already starting to make this space its home. We’ll also be able to learn from this project and really start to understand more about what and how we can bring more green spaces and wildlife to thousands more people across the country in urban spaces.”

Check out the gallery below to see how the viaduct has progressed over recent months.

More information about Castlefield Viaduct and details on booking a visitor slot can be found here.

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All images: Confidentials