World on Fire (2019-2023)

Where Manchester's industrial past lives in full view. The area centres on the confluence of the Bridgewater and Rochdale canals, overlooked by a layered lattice of Victorian railway viaducts — the most prominent being the 330-metre Grade II listed steel viaduct built in 1892, now managed by the National Trust as a planted 'garden in the sky' (open Wed-Sun). Below, the canal basin offers reflective water, cobbled towpaths, dark brick arches, and cast-iron columns creating strong leading lines. The contrast between red brick, rusted steel, still water, and modern glass towers gives enormous tonal range. Morning light filters through the viaduct lattice from the east, casting geometric shadows. Overcast days enhance the moody industrial palette. Peaky Blinders famously recreated Birmingham's Small Heath here with the Garrison pub set built beneath the viaducts. Walkable from Deansgate-Castlefield Metrolink. Ground-level access is flat and open; viaduct top via stairs near Duke Street.