New ‘urban’ park opens in Manchester city centre
St Catherine’s Wood is part of the Victoria North regeneration programme
St Catherine’s Wood in Red Bank, previously underused and ‘largely unknown,’ has undergone a complete transformation as part of the Victoria North regeneration programme.
The park, which is located alongside the River Irk, has formally opened to the public today (24/07/26).
The green space features fully accessible paths, stepped, circular walkways and open spaces for relaxation and small events, with the park now being home to three of the endangered Manchester Poplar Trees.
The park promotes the ‘Wild Urbanism’ approach, which celebrates a more natural approach to green spaces, supporting biodiversity and expanding habitats for wildlife, whilst blending “sustainable, urban living.”
The restored woodland has been designed to create a healthy, resilient and biodiverse environment, across a layered structure that creates diverse habitats for birds, insects and mammals.
Matt Stirton, Principal Landscape Architect at Planit, said: “Transforming an overgrown and inaccessible woodland in the heart of Manchester into a safe and accessible space for local residents and visitors to enjoy has been extremely rewarding.
“Visitors will benefit from accessible routes through the woodland with new lighting, wayfinding and educational boards providing insight into the area’s history and wildlife. Benches and viewpoints across the site will offer places to pause and enjoy framed views of the city.”
The park celebrates the history of the area, with calls to the industrial past of the Red Bank area and retaining the original bridge access point over the River Irk on Collyhurst Road, with a view of the ‘Impossible Bridge’ made famous by L.S. Lowry.
St Catherine’s Wood has been completed as one of the first phases of development in the emerging Red Bank, becoming a “natural anchor” for future progression, such proposals for over 5,000 more homes, as well as supporting community and commercial spaces.
Other new urban green spaces at Mayfield, Ancoats Green and future park investment at Water Street in Castlefield are set to follow.
Cllr Gavin White, Manchester City Council’s Executive Member for Housing and Regeneration, said: “We know how important access to brilliant green spaces is to our residents, and St Catherine’s Wood is the green heart to the major development across the Red Bank neighourhoods – as well as Collyhurst and Cheetham that are both on the doorstep.
“We look forward to working with residents, community groups and local organisations to help St Catherine's Wood become a much-loved green asset at the heart of the community for years to come.”
St Catherine’s Wood was funded by using part of a £51.6m Housing Infrastructure Fund (HIF) grant from Homes England, along with £6.93m GMCA brownfield funding.
Pauline Schaffer, Director of Housing and Infrastructure Grant Funding at Homes England, said: "We're pleased to support this first phase of what will become 113 acres of connected green space, and we look forward to seeing Victoria North continue to grow into a thriving new part of Manchester.
“Creating quality green spaces is an essential part of building communities where people are proud to live.”
Access to the park is via Dantzic Street/Collyhurst Road at the junction of Dalton Street.