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Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
Entertainment
Sophie Halle-Richards

Incredible drone footage gives exclusive preview of Manchester's huge new playground over River Medlock

Incredible drone footage has given an exciting preview of Manchester's huge new playground.

At more than 1,400 square metres, 'Mayfield Play Park' will be the biggest in the city and is due to open in the autumn of 2022.

The exciting new attraction is currently under construction as part of the development of Mayfield Park next to Piccadilly station.

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Formed around six dramatic towers reaching 10-metres high, the unique design is shaped like chimneys in a nod to Manchester's industrial heritage.

Brand new footage released by Mayfield this week shows the latest progress at the construction site.

Bridges and jetties have now been installed over the River Medlock which are joined by plants and mature trees along its 365-metre length.

The 'Mayfield Play Yard' will feature crawl tunnels, elevated rope bridges and eight slides (The Mayfield Partnership)

After completion, the 'Mayfield Play Yard' will feature crawl tunnels, elevated rope bridges, eight slides and wheelchair accessible play equipment.

Park bosses say the 'truly special' playground will cater to children of all ages and abilities.

The star attraction will be a 18m-long slide crossing over the newly-restored River Medlock.

The park was designed collaboratively by regeneration specialist U+I on behalf of the Mayfield Partnership, landscape architects Studio Egret West (SEW) and Massey & Harris, an independent play equipment specialist.

The firm is currently building the play area at its workshop in Stockport before it is transported and installed at Mayfield early next year.

Family-run firm Massey & Harris was recommended for the project by Manchester City Council following its success in designing and installing two play areas at Heaton Park.

The announcement marks a milestone in the evolution of the city centre after years of complaints about a lack of family-friendly, green spaces.

Currently, there are few options other than the children's playground in Piccadilly Gardens which remains a magnet for crime and anti-social behaviour.

Images of Mayfield Park, the first in Manchester city centre for 100 years (Mayfield Partnership)

The long-term aim of the £1.4billion regeneration project at Mayfield includes building thousands of new homes, offices and leisure attractions on what is largely derelict land.

Approval for the first phase of development was granted in 2020 and the centrepiece is a 6.5 acre public park, the first in Manchester city centre for 100 years.

Councillor Bev Craig, leader of Manchester council, said: "Mayfield Park is going to be a major new green public space for Manchester. As a city which values our young people it's perfect that it will include a play facility as fun and active as this as part of what it has to offer.

"We can't wait to welcome Manchester people to this new attraction."

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