Mayfield Park, Manchester city centre’s first new public park in more than 100 years, opened in September last year. Over a period of 18 months, the vast, mostly derelict, former industrial site next to Piccadilly Station was transformed into a stunning, accessible and varied green space for all to enjoy.
Mayfield Park’s main entrance on Baring Street is open to the public from dawn until dusk, seven days a week – which is in line with all other parks in the city – providing local residents, visitors and communities across Manchester with a city centre oasis of green space and beautifully landscaped river walkways.
The area has been completely transformed with the 6.5-acre park surrounding the banks of the River Medlock and featuring parkland and gardens with trees and shrubbery, as well as walkways for the public to use. The park also features space for everyone to use, including play areas, space for sports, an urban square, floodable meadows and quiet spaces for those who want a break from the city.
The development of the space, currently home to Mayfield depot, will transform it into a vibrant new neighbourhood – ideally located by Piccadilly station for young professionals and people visiting the city.
Martyn Evans, Creative Director at U+I, the regeneration company leading the Mayfield development on behalf of the Mayfield Partnership, said: “The greatest cities in the world offer a true blend of amazing culture, great architecture and green space. Manchester is one such city and Mayfield Park adds a significant piece of new, family-friendly, inclusive green space to the city centre.”
In addition to the brand new park, the scheme will also deliver 1,500 new homes, 1.6m sq ft of office space, shops, a new car park and a 650-bed hotel – and it’s expected to bring with it over 10,000 office, retail, and leisure facilities for the local community.
The Mayfield area has already seen vast improvements with the Depot opening just last summer as a new venue for the city, generating £7.9m for the local economy in 2019 and attracting 225,000 people. In the pat year, the space has become the hotspot of the town – with huge success surrounding Escape to Freight Island.
Mayfield Park, Boardman Gate Entrance, Baring St, Manchester, M1 2PY.