Great Western Coffee Shop

(http://news.bbcimg.co.uk/media/images/63839000/jpg/_63839990_viaductparkvisual_lores.jpg)
Plans for the design include seating areas, herb gardens, allotments and a cafe over a 400m (1312ft) stretch of the viaduct

Plans have been unveiled for a New York-inspired "hanging gardens" stretching along a derelict Victorian viaduct in Manchester city centre.

The proposal, announced by architects BDP, is to open the disused Castlefield Viaduct as a raised walkway lined with flowers, trees and seating areas.

Viaduct Park will connect Potato Wharf with Manchester's Science and Industry Museum and Central Convention Complex along a 400m (1312ft) route.

The idea follows the success of Manhattan's High Line, which has encouraged regeneration and become a hit with tourists visiting New York.

Ian Christie, secretary of the Castlefield Forum, a group of local residents working with architects on the plans, said an idea to use the space as a walkway initially emerged 16 years ago, but the plans fell through due to funding issues.

"As it's a Grade II-listed structure it has to be maintained - it can't be knocked down, but it is fairly derelict. It could hopefully be a walkway with a cafe, herb gardens, allotments for residents wanting to grow their own produce - the possibilities are endless."

(http://news.bbcimg.co.uk/media/images/63839000/jpg/_63839994_viaduct_before.jpg)
Castlefield Viaduct was initially built as part of the Great Northern Railway Company's goods warehouse, which was completed in 1899

The group believes the project could realistically be achieved over the next 10 to 15 years.

Mr Christie added: "Manchester as a whole is often said it lacks substantial green space, so this is an opportunity very close to the city centre to provide some. I think the idea to make a park in the air would also bring in a lot of tourists."