Credit: Secret Manchester/Gemini
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April 1, 2026
Back in 2023, plans to extend the Castlefield Viaduct ‘sky park’ towards Salford and Trafford were revealed, and now the next phase of the project has been announced, and it’s going a lot further. Over 30miles further. The National Trust has a long-term future vision for the Victorian structure in Manchester, with plans to extend the walkway as far as Liverpool via Warrington.
The Castlefield Viaduct masterplan: 34 miles of scenic views via the M62 and access to IKEA Warrington
The Castlefield Viaduct masterplan, termed the ‘Illusion’, is a direct response to public feedback from viaduct visitors, with many expressing a desire to link these North West cities in one long walk overlooking the scenic M62. The viaduct currently only stretches 150 metres, and will soon head to Pomona Island, and with these new plans, it would see the sky park extend a whopping 34 miles.
Whilst Manchester and Liverpool are linked via railway lines and roads, the extension of Castlefield Viaduct would allow locals and visitors alike to walk and wheel freely without obstructions. The design team plans to include multiple entry and exit points, including one at Warrington IKEA, meaning you can pick up a BILLY bookcase or KALLAX unit on the journey.
Credit: Secret Manchester
“Liverpool can soon get its very own NYC-style High Line”
Commenting on the Castlefield Viaduct masterplan, North West city planner Joe King said: “Liverpool and New York share deep historical, cultural, and architectural links, notably with Birkenhead Park inspiring New York’s Central Park. Now, with the news of a sky park coming to the city, Liverpool can soon get its very own NYC-style High Line.
“We also welcome the opportunity to share such a structural masterpiece with our North West neighbours, Manchester. Not only will the viaduct extension encourage more people to get outside and explore the region, but it will provide a boost to both cities’ economy and tourism.”
Planning is yet to be approved, but should the application be successful, work will start from 2028 with a completion date of 2032.
DISCLAIMER: This article has been published for April Fool’s Day (April 1) and the news of Castlefield Viaduct being extended to Liverpool is false.