Additional works on the Fallowfield Loop and ‘Yellow Brick Road’ walking and cycling routes will take place later this year following a public consultation which more than 5,200 people took part in.
The 14km off-road path used by pedestrians, cyclists and horse riders runs from Chorlton, in the west of the city, to Gorton and Fairfield in the east.
The ‘Yellow Brick Road’ (YBR) is a regularly used local name for the route running along the former Stockport Branch Canal.
As part of a £4.9m project to enhance the routes by Manchester Council, local residents were last year invited to provide suggestions on what improvements they would like to see as part of the scheme.
Priorities highlighted by respondents included providing a more open route, with upgraded access points and better signage, to make entrances more prominent.
There were also strong concerns over the preservation of existing habitats with great crested newts, endangered bat species and 'Red Listed' birds of conservation all living in the area.
A number of respondents asked for additional measures to help preserve existing habitats, such as information boards documenting the area's abundant wildlife.
Better street lighting will also be looked into as part of future plans after more than 300 people said lighting should be used in a ‘sensitive way’ that doesn’t detract from the ‘rural feel’ of the urban route.
The consultation was supported by a project team including Transport for Greater Manchester, Sustrans and the Friends of Fallowfield Loop group and will now be used by Manchester Council to review the scheme plans.
Manchester City Council’s Executive Member for the Environment, Planning and Transport, Councillor Angeliki Stogia, said: “The response to our consultation was overwhelming, with more than 5,000 people getting in touch to provide their opinions on how the Fallowfield Loop and Yellow Brick Road can be improved for the long-term future.
“It has taken the team some time to work its way through the huge number of responses and this strength of feeling shows how important it is to invest in the long-term future of the route.
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“Respondents said that using the Fallowfield Loop and Yellow Brick Road gives them a chance to get out, exercise and support their mental wellbeing, which has been an oasis in difficult times. It's also an important link for people travelling between neighbourhoods, or to local schools and colleges.
“However, issues such as safety, anti-social behaviour and fly-tipping do need to be addressed through this major project.
“We know that significant and sensitive planning is required, to ensure that steps are taken to conserve the area’s special look, feel and wildlife, while creating a more welcoming, safer environment for people of all ages and abilities to enjoy on foot or by bike all year round - whether that's to commute, or for leisure.”
The scheme forms part of the Greater Manchester Mayor’s Challenge Fund programme, which supports new walking and cycling infrastructure across the region.
Advance work on the project started in December 2020 and more works will be on site from late spring on Tannery Way, Tan Yard Brow and the YBR from the bridge in Debdale Park to Alston Street.
This work will link the Fallowfield Loop and YBR with Hyde Road where a 25 metre-long bowstring arch bridge over Hyde Road was unveiled in July 2020.
The new bridge, which replaced a former railway bridge, provides better access for people walking or cycling along the Fallowfield Loop.
Chris Boardman, Greater Manchester’s Cycling and Walking Commissioner, said: “We’ve seen throughout lockdown how popular these local routes have become and how vital they have been in providing a space where people can get out for some fresh air and take a mental break.
“This is an opportunity to bring the Fallowfield Loop and YBR up to Bee Network standards and tackle long standing issues to provide a safe space for people to enjoy their local nature spots, as well as using it for longer cycling and walking trips.”
