Leeds, UK – The transformation of the historic Monk Bridge viaduct into Viaduct Gardens at The Junction has been shortlisted for the Architects’ Journal (AJ) Award in the category of Landscape and Public Realm. This recognition celebrates the project’s visionary approach to urban regeneration, repurposing a piece of 19th-century infrastructure into a dynamic and sustainable public space for 21st-century Leeds.
Viaduct Gardens is the centrepiece of The Junction, a new neighbourhood of 665 homes, and represents a key element in promoting sustainable city-centre living. Originally constructed in the 19th century and disused since the 1960s, the grade II-listed viaduct spans the River Aire and the Leeds Liverpool Canal. Once an inaccessible yet iconic landmark in Leeds, it has now been reimagined as a high-level public park, providing valuable green space, and creating a vital connection within the city.
Reimagining History: A New Urban Landscape
The brief for the project was ambitious: to turn an abandoned viaduct into purposeful outdoor spaces for residents, create stronger links between the city and the waterfront, and reveal the historic character of the viaduct. The design not only enhances public access to the river and canal but also promotes urban ecology, resulting in the creation of a truly unique public park.
Viaduct Gardens includes a range of carefully designed outdoor spaces such as:
- A high-level public park atop the viaduct
- Ground-level external covered spaces adjacent to the viaduct’s arches
- A canal-side terrace
- Residents’ courtyards
- Sports courts and recreational areas
The design draws inspiration from the viaduct’s industrial past, with the former railway use informing the layout. Yet, it is the vibrant, self-established brownfield ecology that emerged over the decades that guided the planting design. A naturalistic approach to vegetation creates a rich, immersive experience with a variety of textures, colours, and seasonal interest, providing a meaningful connection to nature for residents and visitors alike.
Transforming the Cityscape
The project has introduced new social and recreational opportunities to the area, with spaces for outdoor cinemas, event venues, and licensable seating areas that support businesses located within the viaduct’s arches. The design encourages social interaction and offers diverse public spaces that are integral to the identity of this new community.
“Sociability is embedded into every level of the design,” said Ricardo Ares at Ares Landscape Architects. “The viaduct acts as a central conduit for movement, with most residents passing through it to reach their homes, while the public park offers a unique green space for the people of Leeds to enjoy.”
Recognition and Community Impact
The transformation of the Monk Bridge viaduct has been met with excitement and enthusiasm from the local community. Neil McGinty, Development Director of City Developments Ltd said:
“The completed landscape design for Viaduct Gardens has delivered on every level of our brief. We saw the landscape and external spaces as a fundamental to what makes The Junction a special place in which to live, work and socialise.
There was a lot of local interest in what we were going to do with the Viaduct and now it’s open to the public the response from the local community has been overwhelmingly positive. Viaduct Gardens has become the vibrant, well used public park that we always wanted it to be and we are proud to have delivered something so special for the people of Leeds. “
The AJ Awards are among the most prestigious accolades in the architecture industry, and being shortlisted in the Landscape and Public Realm category is a significant honour. The winners will be announced at the awards ceremony on 3rd December 2024 in Park Plaza, Westminster Bridge, London, where Ares Landscape Architects will join fellow industry leaders in celebrating the best of contemporary architecture. For more information on the AJ Awards and to view the full shortlist, visit AJ Awards