Central to the CyanLines community engagement programme is speaking to voices that are often under-represented in the design and planning of our places and spaces. Earlier in February, we ran our second consultation event in partnership with GM Moving and new partners, PLACED Academy (a free-to-access built environment educational programme for young people aged 14 – 18).
The workshop was attended by 31 teenagers from across the North West to contribute insights and ideas towards the future development of CyanLines. Working in teams, they each conducted site analysis relating to four key themes: ‘Inclusivity & Welcoming’, ‘Safety & Healthy Communities’, ‘Climate Resilience & Nature’, and ‘Culture & Storytelling’. The groups were then tasked with identifying which themes to prioritise and presented their unique CyanLines vision and ideas through creative displays using sketching, model-making and photographic collage boards.
I enjoyed working with my group on our separate themes and coming together to create a new design for the CyanLines loop” said a PLACED Academy participant.
Nine common themes and ideas emerged across the groups which will now be considered and reviewed during the development phase of the 100+ mile CyanLines network.
Inclusivity and Universal Access: Nearly every group proposed replacing ruined stairs with accessible ramps or lifts.
Safety and Lighting: groups consistently prioritised high-quality lighting, including automated nightlights, string lights, and lampposts and secure railings.
“Cyanbees” branding: Use of Manchester’s worker bee heritage and blue and green paths to guide visitors.
Nature and Biodiversity: this was a core priority and ideas included – green walls, flower boxes, “live” nature walls, and new diverse plant species.
Climate and Flood Resilience: to counter increasing rainfall, proposals included flood-friendly vegetation (like Pothos), permeable rubber mulch flooring, and “green umbrellas” to provide shelter from rain and sun.
Repurposing Abandoned Spaces: ‘activate’ underutilised areas such as the Mark Addy pub, and add a nature centre, community hubs.
Social Connectivity and “Pause Points”: create “destinations” and resting places by adding new seating areas, pergolas, floating cinemas, and cafes.
Community Engagement and Storytelling: involve residents in community gardening, installing QR-coded information boards, and featuring murals by local artists to tell Manchester’s story.
Improve the Water Environment: floating water treatment plants to clear the river and improve its scent, alongside the use of glass fencing to provide unobstructed views.
We’d like to thank everyone who joined us for this really inspiring and engaging session – your contributions were fantastic! We’re delighted to hear 95% enjoyed the session, 76% developed their skill set and 86% learnt something new.
If you’d like to contribute to the CyanLines consultation programme or share your feedback on any of the topics we’ve covered, please email Kelly Rodgers, Strategic Lead at GM Moving: kelly@gmmoving.co.uk.