National law firm Clarke Willmott has joined CyanLines as a legal partner, supporting the delivery of the 100-mile-plus network connecting and improving Greater Manchester’s parks, squares, rivers, canals and viaducts.
As part of its commitment, Clarke Willmott will provide legal, strategic and governance support to CyanLines. Ed Foulkes, partner and head of Clarke Willmott’s Manchester office, said:
“Clarke Willmott joined CyanLines as founding and legal partners because we recognise the importance of connecting Greater Manchester’s vibrant green and blue spaces to help bring our business community together.
“Our commitment goes beyond providing essential legal, strategic and governance support; it reflects our dedication to embedding sustainable practices within our business and fostering a positive social impact. We look forward to collaborating with a diverse range of stakeholders to ensure that this project leaves a lasting legacy for future generations.”
In addition to Clarke Willmott’s involvement, CyanLines also welcomed new partners from across the built environment and development sector. Clarke Willmott joins the partnership with Wain Group and Civic, alongside founding private sector partners LandSec, FEC, Renaker, Bruntwood, Property Alliance Group, Urban Splash and Allied London. Founding public sector partners include Manchester City Council, the Greater Manchester Combined Authority, the National Trust, and the Nature Towns and Cities Fund.
The CyanLines initiative has been progressing at pace since its launch in September, with new projects now underway in collaboration with Greater Manchester Moving.
Manchester City Council continues to support and coordinate all CyanLines activity while the charitable organisation progresses through its formal establishment process, expected to conclude in the spring.
Cllr Bev Craig, leader of Manchester City Council, said: “Manchester is on a mission to make our city greener, investing in new parks and open spaces.
“We have exciting plans but there is so much more we can do together in the coming years with more partners on board and a shared vision of connected and improved parks, green spaces and waterfronts. We welcome these new partners who will help us bring new initiatives forward.
“Since the launch we have been overwhelmed with ideas and offers of support. We’ll be announcing more projects, including how Nature Towns and Cities Fund will support CyanLines, in the new year but for now we are pleased to announce we are working with GM Moving to help promote wellbeing, improve mental health and increase activity.”
Greater Manchester Moving will lead CyanLines’ participatory programme, beginning in the new year with workshops and activities involving local communities and resident groups. These activities will include walking audits and visioning workshops designed to ensure CyanLines spaces are accessible and enjoyable for all.
CyanLines is also working to support Greater Manchester’s Nature for Health network, contributing to the Live Well strand of the Greater Manchester Strategy by helping people connect with nature.
Ed Foulkes is head of Clarke Willmott’s Manchester office and specialises in mergers and acquisitions, equity investments, buy-outs, joint ventures and corporate structuring. Contact Ed or the Manchester team by getting in touch online.
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