Civic announced as CyanLines partner as first projects revealed
Bringing nature into cities is vital, and the ambition and vision for CyanLines will make Manchester greener, happier and healthier
We’re proud to have been announced as partners to CyanLines – the 100 mile plus network connecting and improving Greater Manchester’s parks, squares, rivers, canals and viaducts – as new projects are revealed to be underway with Greater Manchester Moving.
Work on CyanLines has been moving at pace since its launch in September at Aviva Studios, home of Factory International and the new partners join founding private sector partners LandSec, FEC, Renaker, Bruntwood, Property Alliance Group, Urban Splash and Allied London and founding public sector partners Manchester City Council and Greater Manchester Combined Authority plus the National Trust and the Nature Towns and Cities Fund. We’re joining alongside property developer the Wain Group and law firm Clarke Willmott as new partners, with Clarke Willmott providing legal, strategic and governance.
Our team will be lending their expertise in sustainability and engineering, particularly with building climate resilience, providing advice and support to CyanLines projects, the first of which will be revealed in the new year.
Stephen O’Malley, chief executive here at Civic, said: “The ambition and vision for CyanLines chimes completely with our approach at Civic and we are delighted to get on board. Bringing nature into our city is absolutely vital. Nature-led projects aren’t just good for the environment, they create healthier, greener, more resilient and valuable places for everyone.”
Cllr Bev Craig, leader, Manchester City Council said: "Manchester is on a mission to make our city greener, investing in new parks and open spaces.
"We have exciting plans but there is so much more we can do together in the coming years with more partners on board and a shared vision of connected and improved parks, green spaces and waterfronts. We welcome these new partners who will help us bring new initiatives forward.
“Since the launch we have been overwhelmed with ideas and offers of support. We’ll be announcing more projects, including how Nature Towns and Cities Fund will support CyanLines, in the new year but for now we are pleased to announce we are working with GM Moving to help promote well-being, improve mental-health and increase activity.”
GM Moving will lead CyanLines participatory programme, which will kick off in the new year with workshops and activities with local community and resident groups. These initial activities, ranging from walking audits to visioning workshops, will help articulate what is needed from CyanLines to create spaces that are accessible and joyful for all.
Kelly-Marie Rodgers, Strategic Lead – Healthy Active Places, Greater Manchester Moving said: “The voices of communities are key to creating CyanLines that will be well-loved and used for generations. These initial participatory activities will help us understand what needs to be incorporated to open up greater access to green and blues spaces. This will help shape CyanLines and ensure that we tailor CyanLines’ activities and programmes to meet the needs of our communities.”
CyanLines is working to support Greater Manchester’s Nature for Health network on a programme across the city region that will support the Live Well strand of the Greater Manchester Strategy, by connecting people with nature.
While the CyanLines charitable organisation goes through its formal establishment process, which is likely to be concluded in the spring, Manchester City Council continues to support and co-ordinate all CyanLines activity.
The first CyanLines walk was held on 9 November when Tom Bloxham, Pete Swift and Steve Connor together with Manchester tour guide Jonathan Schofield, led over 100 people along the CL4 Irwell and Castlefield Loop. A volunteer day helping the Canal & River Trust clean up the Rochdale Canal towpath between Piccadilly Basin and Castlefield was held on Saturday 22 November. More walks and volunteer days are planned and dates will be announced in the new year.
Wain Group, Executive Chairman, Will Ainscough, said: “CyanLines is a great example of what can be achieved when organisations come together with a shared ambition for people and places. At Wain Group we are focused on creating well-designed neighbourhoods with quality green spaces and environments that promote community wellbeing, so we are pleased to support a project that will improve access to green and blue spaces across Greater Manchester. We look forward to working with partners to help bring this exciting vision to life.”
Ed Foulkes, partner and head of Clarke Willmott’s Manchester office said: “Clarke Willmott joined CyanLines as founding and legal partners because we recognise the importance of connecting Greater Manchester’s vibrant green and blue spaces to help bring our business community together.
“Our commitment goes beyond providing essential legal, strategic and governance support; it reflects our dedication to embedding sustainable practices within our business and fostering a positive social impact. We look forward to collaborating with a diverse range of stakeholders to ensure that this project leaves a lasting legacy for future generations.”