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September 18, 2025

UK Property Market / Manchester

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Manchester City Council has announced plans for a series of walkways connecting parks, neighbourhoods, rivers, and viaducts throughout the city – named CyanLines. Four pilot routes have been revealed: a northern, eastern, southern, and western line. The decade-long scheme ultimately aims to deliver more than 100 miles of walking and cycling routes.

The launch took place at Aviva Studios on 10th September, where plans to start work later this year were revealed.

“With a big vision and with the whole city behind us we were able to grow and build the Manchester International Festival into this building, an asset for all of Manchester… Now we have the same ambition with CyanLines – we want to bring the whole city along with us, to help us plan, fund and deliver CyanLines.”
 – Tom Bloxham MBE CBE, CyanLines project co-founder and Chair of Urban Splash and Factory International

Northern Line

Beginning at Victoria Station, this 5km route (around a 1.5-hour walk) will pass The Glade of Light, NOMA, and Angel Meadows, before running along the River Irwell into Queen’s Park.

Eastern Loop

Starting at Kampus, this line will lead through Ancoats, crossing Rochdale Canal and passing through Cotton Field Park. It will then cross the Ashton Canal, venture through Holt Town, and run under railway tracks before passing through Mayfield Park and ending at Manchester Piccadilly. Covering 6.5km, it’s expected to take around 2 hours on foot.

Southern Line

This 5km route will begin in the heart of the city at St Peter’s Square. It’ll pass Oxford Road, then head south towards Whitworth Park – stopping through All Saints Park (next to Manchester Metropolitan University) and Brunswick Park within the University of Manchester campus.

Western Loop

At 8.5km (around 2.5 hours on foot), this is the longest of the pilot routes, and the only one that leaves the city centre, leading into Salford. Made up of two connecting loops, it will pass Deansgate Square, run through Spinningfields, into Greengate Park and along the River Irwell, before weaving between Peel Park and Timekeeper’s Square. From there, it will head through Middlewood Locks and split: one path crossing the Shipping Canal and into Castlefield Viaduct, the other leading directly back towards Albert Square.

What does this mean for residents?

CyanLines is designed to connect neighbourhoods with green and blue routes, making day-to-day connectivity across Manchester easier and more enjoyable. Residents will be less reliant on cars for short journeys, with faster and safer trips on foot or by bike, plus better access to attractive green spaces.

Alongside existing regeneration schemes like Holt Town, Victoria North, and St John’s, the city centre will feel more cohesive, with liveability at the forefront of design.

 

What does this mean for investors?

It’s another strong signal of growth for Manchester. Developments along the routes are likely to see an uplift in demand and could even trigger a ripple effect in surrounding areas as connectivity improves.

With the project set to roll out over the next 10 years, this is a long-term play. For those investing now, it could contribute to capital appreciation – while in the meantime supporting stronger rental returns.

 

Ready to invest?

If you’re looking to take advantage of the on-going improvements in Manchester, and would like to discuss your options with a professional, get in touch with us today.