Green and blue spaces, squares, pocket parks, rivers, canals & viaducts.
Background
CyanLines is our partnership project that aims to connect Greater Manchester’s blue and green spaces into a high quality network of walking, wheeling and cycling routes for residents, for visitors and for nature. The vision is to develop a network of over 100 miles of ‘CyanLines’ routes over ten years, starting with the city centres of Manchester and Salford, delivering a greener, healthier and more climate-resilient city for the future.
The initiative was officially launched on Wednesday 10 September 2025 at Aviva Studios, home of Factory International in Manchester. The launch event was led by the initiative’s co-founders, Tom Bloxham MBE CBE, chair, Urban Splash and Pete Swift,CEO, Planit. Attendees heard from Manchester City Council Leader Councillor Bev Craig and Andy Burnham, the Mayor of Greater Manchester. Other speakers included partner voices from The National Trust, Landsec and the Far East Consortium and there were hundreds of partners and supporters in attendance.
Early development of CyanLines has been supported by Manchester City Council and the CyanLines team will be setting up a dedicated and not-for-profit organisation to turn the vision into a reality. This new organisation will broaden the partnership, increase awareness and work to secure the funding needed to make this happen. The direct delivery of CyanLines however will be taken forward by a wide and diverse group of partners including developers, landowners, residents, businesses and volunteers.
“We did not have hunting grounds for kings, dukes and lords in Manchester, so we have no grand central parks, but we do have excellent green, blue and brown spaces which, if joined up, will provide an amazing legacy for future generations.”
Tom Bloxham, MBE CBE, Chair, Urban Splash
Funding
The development of CyanLines is being supported by Manchester City Council, Greater Manchester Combined Authority and through a range of founding partners that includes Allied London, Bruntwood, Far East Consortium, Landsec, Renaker, Property Alliance Group and Urban Splash. Charity sector support has been given by the Nature Town and Cities Fund, National Trust and Factory International.
“National Trust are firm supporters of CyanLines, not least because its core aim mirrors our own of ensuring more people have access to nature particularly in our towns and cities, and to bring nature to people’s doorsteps wherever they live. We look forward to working with the CyanLines team and other partners as both our projects advance, connecting Castlefield viaduct with the other wonderful spaces in Manchester and Salford city centres.”
Mike Innerdale, Regional Director North of England, National Trust
“As joint custodians of Mayfield Park and the Dianne Oxberry Rose Garden and the Blue Peter garden at MediaCity, joining and supporting CyanLines is a no-brainer.”
Martyn Evans, Creative Director, Landsec
Get involved
There will be many opportunities for the public, businesses and charities to get involved with CyanLines and right now the team wants to hear from people who already have a project they think should be included or have an idea for a new one, also from anyone who wants to volunteer to help support the work of CyanLines and its partners.
Did you know?
Green and blue means healthy AND happy too! According to a major evidence review by the World Health Organisation, proximity to urban green spaces can be linked to improved mental health, reduced cardiovascular deaths, lower obesity and diabetes risk, and even better pregnancy outcomes.
Public Sector Founding Sponsors
Private Sector Partners
Charity Founding Supporters
