On the 22nd of September 2022 at 12.30pm, Manchester’s first city centre park in 100 years was opened to the public. Thousands of trees, shrubs, and plants have been planted, carefully fitting into the city’s landscape and expanding its green spaces by a huge 6.5 acres.

The addition of ample relaxing benches, space to roam, a huge play park, and a small coffee stand are just a few of the reasons why Mayfield Park should be on your must-visit list.

What is Mayfield Park?

For hundreds of years, Mayfield has been a hub for industrialism, consumerism, and entertainment. Located opposite Piccadilly train station, this area of Manchester has been empty for a while, waiting for the right investor to snap it up.

Before the pandemic, investors were chosen to, well, invest. And to adapt the space into something that the public can make use of. Although the pandemic slowed things down slightly, Mayfield Park can finally welcome Manchester with open arms.

Things to do

Mayfield Park is the perfect place to have a wander, especially if you have children. Dogs are also welcome, although they should be kept on a lead.

There’s space to walk, run, prance, skip – whatever takes your fancy.Plus, the city’s largest children’s park sits to the east of the site. This behemoth adventure park will excite kids of all ages! Tall slides and modern climbing frames sit in the middle of the park, framed with swings, seesaws, and a roundabout. One slide is the star of the show. Suspended over the river Medlock, this frame of excitement will entertain your little ones for hours!

Whether you’re out for a run, on a walk to soak up the sunshine, walking your furry friend of choice, or taking your kids out to let off some steam, Mayfield Park should be your go-to spot.

Manchester’s First Garden in 100 Years

Mayfield Park is the first garden to be opened in the city centre in 100 years. Its predecessor was Piccadilly gardens, which opened in 1914. Before it was transformed into the concrete behemoth it is today, Piccadilly gardens was a grand space, full of green grass, manicured hedges, trees, and an abundance of seasonal blooms.

Piccadilly Gardens Pre 2002. Credit: Manchester Evening News. The gardens were created after the First World War, in place of what was the Royal Infirmary Hospital.That is, until 2002 when the gardens were flattened; redesigned into a ‘concrete pavilion’ by Japanese architect Tadao Ando.

So, it’s easy to say that Manchester has been waiting for new green spaces to take Piccadilly Garden’s place!


The History of Mayfield



Mayfield Train station, circa 1940. Credit: Mayfield Manchester. 

Mayfield Park sits on the site that was once known as Mayfield Print works. This was before the early 1900s when it was then turned into Mayfield train station. This station was built to alleviate the pressure off Piccadilly until it was hit by a parachute mine in World War II.

Except for a few businesses and entertainment venues, the bones of Mayfield Print works have sat empty and decaying for decades. Until now!

Mayfield Park isn’t the Only New Green Space...

Castlefield Viaduct. Credit: National Trust. 

This park’s opening follows the National Trust’s new venture – Castlefield Viaduct. Similar in style to the popular New York High Line, this green walkway has been transformed from an unused tram line to a bushy and green space for Manchester. Maybe another one to add to your ‘must-visit’ list?!