The New Islington Marina in Ancoats is Manchester’s hidden oasis, allowing people to relax in one of the few open access green spaces in the city centre.

We asked people hanging out at the New Islington Marina what they like about this place:

It’s just a few minutes away from the Northern Quarter and makes you think you are in completely different surrounding, far away from the city’s bustle.

The park consists of a body of water, a three- metre-wide boardwalk, an ‘urban beach’ and distinctive islands where people can enjoy the peace and quiet of a wonderful park.

To help attracting more wildlife, a protective grove of Scots pines, wildflowers and reed bed were planted here.