INTRODUCTION
We are thrilled to share the exciting news that our clients, the National Trust and Twelve Architects, have won a prestigious Pineapple Award for their innovative project at Castlefield Viaduct in Manchester. This remarkable achievement highlights the exceptional collaboration between various teams, including Spatial Dimensions, who provided crucial measured survey and topographical survey information to inform the design.
Castlefield Viaduct, a grade II-listed Victorian-era steel viaduct, is in the heart of historic Manchester. Once a vital transportation hub for goods in and out of the city, the viaduct has remained idle since the central station closed in 1969. The National Trust, National Highways, and Twelve Architects have transformed this striking structure into an accessible urban park in the sky.
The Castlefield Viaduct project showcases an ingenious blend of history, architecture, and green space, breathing new life into the area while preserving its rich heritage. As a considerate, friendly, and informative partner, Spatial Dimensions played a key role in assisting the team with detailed measured building survey and topographical survey information. This valuable data helped inform the design process, ensuring the success of this award-winning project.
THE PINEAPPLE AWARDS
The Pineapple Awards celebrate the best in place-making and development, recognising projects that positively impact the communities they serve. The Castlefield Viaduct project is a shining example of how innovative design and collaboration can transform underutilised spaces into vibrant, welcoming areas that enrich the urban landscape.
Castlefield viaduct won the Infrastructure category. This category includes stations, bridges, cycleways, pedestrianisation, new public transport initiatives, LTNs or low emission zones, or other projects which contribute positively to the broader place. Projects have to be complete or in progress with at least one phase open for use. The judges considered whether the infrastructure makes a positive environmental and social impact.
OUR WORK AT THE CASTLEFIELD VIADUCT
At Spatial Dimensions, we are proud to have contributed to the success of the Castlefield Viaduct project. Our commitment to providing accurate, detailed survey information has helped the National Trust, National Highways, and Twelve Architects achieve their vision of creating an urban park that celebrates Manchester’s history while providing a much-needed green space for residents and visitors alike.
Our work on the Castlefield Viaduct project was instrumental in providing the design team with the accurate information they needed to bring their vision to life. We understood the situation’s urgency, as the planning application for phase 1 – a temporary park opening – was scheduled for spring 2022, with further stages planned. Any delays in receiving the vital survey information would impact the planning deadline and the park’s planned opening in the summer of 2022.
We rose to the challenge at Spatial Dimensions and swiftly delivered the essential measured survey and topographical survey (topo survey) information. This data allowed the team to progress with their designs, respecting the listed structure, celebrating the viaduct’s nature, beauty, and history, and ensuring that it fits in with existing plans for the city. Our contribution to the project has helped create a hidden oasis above the bustling city of Manchester, transforming Castlefield Viaduct into a free-to-access park and meeting place for people and nature.
VISIT THE CASTLEFIELD VIADCUT
Visiting the Castlefield Viaduct is a unique experience that allows you to witness the transformation of a striking Victorian-era steel viaduct into a green ‘sparky park’, in the heart of Manchester. The National Truest has been working tirelessly to reinvigorate this once-forgotten piece of industrial history, turning it into an urban oasis that will be accessible to all. As you stroll along the elevated park, you’ll be able to appreciate the breath-taking views of the city and it’s rich architectural heritage while also enjoying a moment of tranquility away from the hustle and bustle of urban life.
This Viaduct is a must-visit destination of anyone interest in history, architecture or a unique green space to unwind and connect with nature.
We congratulate the National Trust, National Highways, and Twelve Architects on their well-deserved Pineapple Award. We look forward to future collaborations that push the boundaries of design and community engagement.
For more information on how Spatial Dimensions can assist your next project, don’t hesitate to contact one of our three offices today!
