The southerrn end of Deansgate in Manchester City Centre has been retrofitted with planted drainage swales to help adapt the city to the increasing challenges of climate change. Planted last year, our project aims to introduce diverse, attractive and resilient planting along a city centre transport corridor, creating a vibrant, flowering garden corridor as a major gateway feature which also absorbs rainwater run off from the roads and cycleways.
Deansgate, one of the city’s oldest thoroughfares, is a mile-long stretch through the cite centre which connects major roads and landmarks such as the Great Northern Warehouse, John Rylands Library, and Manchester Cathedral. Work began in 2024 to install the city’s new piece of Green Infrastructure. Our designs introduced layered absorbent soil and resilient vegetation with extensive civil engineering for drainage designed to mimic natural water retention. With climate change bringing cloudburst-type rainfall, rain gardens combat localised flooding, slowing down run off from the road, and creating a haven for biodiversity. In summer, the gardens also reduce the heat island effect and reduce pollution and dust particulates.
In spite of a number of challenges, the planting has established strongly and is getting plenty of positive comments. We are proud to have played a part in preparing Manchester for the future.
