CyanLines

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CyanLines
Length15.5 mi (25 km) (as of September 2025)
100 mi (160 km) (proposed and approximate)
LocationManchester and Salford, England
UseWalking, cycling
SeasonAll year
Websitecyanlines.com

CyanLines is an initiative to create a 100-mile (160 km) network of connected parks, rivers, canals, and walkways across the cities of Manchester and Salford in England. It was launched in September 2025 with four initial routes stretching a total of 15.5 miles (25 km).

It aims to connect people with nature, promote walking and cycling, and improve biodiversity by linking existing green and blue spaces—such as Castlefield Viaduct, Mayfield Park, and the River Irwell—with new routes and infrastructure.

Origin and vision

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CyanLines was co-founded by Tom Bloxham, chairman of property development company Urban Splash, and Pete Swift, CEO of Planit, an architecture practice.[1] The name "CyanLines" reflects the blend of blue (water) and green (nature) spaces. The initiative was officially launched on 10 September 2025 at Aviva Studios in Manchester,[2] with support from Manchester City Council[3] and the Greater Manchester Combined Authority.[4]

The vision is to transform underutilised urban spaces into corridors of biodiversity and community activity. CyanLines is designed to connect well-known landmarks such as Castlefield Viaduct, Mayfield Park, and New Islington Marina, as well as lesser-known pocket parks and future developments such as Victoria North and Holt Town.[5]

Partners

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The public sector plays a foundational role in the CyanLines initiative, with key partners including Manchester City Council, Salford City Council,[6] and the Greater Manchester Combined Authority. These organisations guide the strategic direction of the project, ensuring it aligns with broader goals around urban planning, sustainability, and regional connectivity.

The private sector contributors include developers and design firms such as Urban Splash, Planit, Allied London, Bruntwood, Far East Consortium, Landsec, Property Alliance Group, and Renaker.[5] Their involvement supports the delivery of infrastructure and placemaking across the CyanLines network.

In the charity sector, the initiative is supported by the National Trust and Factory International.[1] These organisations help embed cultural and environmental values into the project, promoting community engagement, heritage preservation, and equitable access to nature.

Funding and governance

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The funding for CyanLines is drawn from a mix of public and philanthropic sources. Notable funding bodies include Natural England and the National Lottery Heritage Fund's Nature Towns and Cities programme,[5] both of which provide financial backing for the development of green and blue infrastructure and community-led nature initiatives.

As of September 2025, CyanLines is in the process of establishing a dedicated not-for-profit organisation, potentially a community interest company or charity, to manage governance, broaden partnerships, and secure long-term funding for the initiative.[2]

Pilot routes

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The first four CyanLines routes, launched in Manchester city centre and stretching a total of 15.5 miles (25 km), include:[7]

References

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  1. ^ a b Valentine, Charlie (10 September 2025). "CyanLines £100m walkways to resurrect Manchester's waterways". Place North West. Retrieved 24 September 2025.
  2. ^ a b "100-mile network to connect Manchester's green and blue spaces". Manchester Wire. 10 September 2025. Retrieved 24 September 2025.
  3. ^ Davies, Ethan (14 September 2025). "Plans for 100-mile city centre walkways". BBC News. Retrieved 24 September 2025.
  4. ^ "Greater Manchester launches England's first Local Nature Recovery Strategy in the North". Greater Manchester Combined Authority. 4 September 2025. Retrieved 24 September 2025.
  5. ^ a b c "CyanLines a mega project to bring over 100 miles of nature to Manchester revealed". Greater Manchester Business Board. 11 September 2025. Retrieved 24 September 2025.
  6. ^ "£1 million grant funding approved for Community Greenways Project". Salford City Council. Retrieved 24 September 2025.
  7. ^ Davies, Ethan (10 September 2025). "100 miles of floating walkways could be built in Manchester city centre". Manchester Evening News. Retrieved 24 September 2025.
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