Manchester's new city park

How big is the park and what kind of spaces are there?

The 6.5-acre park sits at the heart of a new neighbourhood, with the uncovered River Medlock running through the middle. Different landscaped spaces each have their own character and amenities. The lawn space will be used for events, children’s play yard, a quiet contemplation zone, a wildscape for biodiversity, and multiple routes of walkways.

Mayfield Park has been designed as a “sequence of spaces”, the west end of the park (nearest the Baring Street entrance) is landscaped with seating areas; whereas, towards the east, the park becomes more urban with planting and increased habitat provision for wildlife.

Will the park be open at night?

Initially, the park will be open from dawn til dusk. This will be reviewed regularly as other buildings in the neighbourhood complete, and, if deemed appropriate and safe to do so, opening hours may be extended. On the front gate of each entrance of the park the relevant opening times for that day will be displayed.

Is the park public or private and is there a charge to enter?

The park is a benchmark for privately-owned public space (POPS). It is privately owned by Mayfield Partnership but completely open to the public and free to access.

Who will manage the park?

Initially, the Mayfield Partnership will take responsibility for the overall management of the park, with specialist contractors appointed to maintain it daily.

What kind of activities or events will be hosted at the park?

Mayfield Park will become a true destination for local people – not only somewhere that they can visit for a picnic or walk, but come together as a community for a whole range of activities and events. The Mayfield lawn has been designed with hidden infrastructure for hosting festivals or activities requiring electricity.

An events programme will launch in 2023 with information available online early next year at: www.MayfieldPark.com

When will the park open?

The park will open on 22nd September 2022 at 1230. Following a ribbon cutting ceremony led by Bev Craig, Leader of Manchester City Council.

What’s happening around the edges of the park?

The park sits within the wider Mayfield neighbourhood. Around the 6.5-acre park will be new homes, offices, retail and leisure space.

What sustainability measures have been integrated into the park?

Mayfield Park is a green lung for Manchester, as the city’s first new park in over 100 years. A diverse mix of plant and tree species have been incorporated into the landscape design, with over 300 trees planted across the neighbourhood to facilitate carbon capture. Wildflowers and wetland planting also encourage biodiversity.

The River Medlock has been uncovered and rejuvenated, creating a new habitat for wildlife. The park contains a number of new measures to support biodiversity, including kingfisher posts, bat bricks, and bird boxes. Many species are already returning to Mayfield, including fish and birds!

Whenever possible, existing materials and structures have been reused and recycled across Mayfield. The site has a unique industrial heritage that will be celebrated and revived to form a place for the future rooted in its past. The cavernous Depot building, railway arches and three bridges have been retained, and historic details such as the Mayfield Baths tiles preserved and saved for use elsewhere on site. Materials have also been sourced locally to minimise the environmental impact of the development and construction process.

13 wells, artefacts from the Victorian era, were unearthed throughout the construction process. Three of these are still functional and will be used to irrigate the plants and trees throughout the park, each pumping up to 20 cubic meters of water per day. The largest of these was used to supply the former Britannia Brewery, which was based on the east of the site in the late 19th and early 20th Century.

Will the park remain open when construction on the other buildings begins?

Yes, the park has been designed so that progress on the wider neighbourhood can continue with minimal disruption to activities within the park. The health and safety of visitors is of highest priority and clear procedures and protocols will be in place to ensure any construction works are at a safe distance.

What will happen to Escape to Freight Island/Depot Mayfield/Warehouse Project?

Depot Mayfield will continue to host a wide range of events and activations including Escape to Freight Island and the Warehouse Project. In the long term a more permanent reuse of the former train station/Depot building(s) will be decided as part of the final phase of the 10-year development of Mayfield.

Can I bring my dog?

Yes! Dogs are of course welcome in Mayfield Park. All we request is that your furry friend be kept on a lead at all times.