The Medlock Trust
Welcome to The Medlock Trust!
After being hidden beneath Manchester for generations, the River Medlock is slowly becoming public once again. Once treated as forgotten infrastructure beneath the city, the river is now beginning to reconnect with public life through improved waterways, river access points, and spaces for people to gather and engage with the water at a more intimate scale. At The Medlock Trust, we care deeply about the future of the river and want people to rediscover it from a completely different perspective.
The project explores how stronger relationships between the river, the city, and its people can create new experiences within Manchester. Through kayaking, riverside gathering spaces, and interactive installations, visitors are invited to engage with the Medlock while learning about its hidden history, ecology, and ongoing restoration in a more immersive and engaging way. Rather than simply observing the river from a distance, the project encourages people to physically reconnect with it through movement, exploration, and public interaction.
Looking to explore Manchester differently?
Come down to Mayfield, get on the water, and experience the city by kayak.
