Therme Manchester: Work finally gets underway on huge new wellbeing resort

With plans set to include an all-season urban beach, the world’s first living waterslides and an on-site farm, Therme Manchester is unsurprisingly one of the region’s most talked-about openings.

Projected to span 28 acres around the former EventCity site adjacent to the Trafford Palazzo shopping area, the team behind the project have already shared a series of exciting CGI renders of what the enormous space could look like.

Where is the project up to?

As of October 2024, building work has finally begun on Therme Manchester following the securing of permission for planning amendments.

In a statement, the company announced that Therme Manchester had gained approval from Trafford Council on Tue 15 Oct, coinciding with the commencement of enabling work on site. This included the demolition of pre-existing concrete slabs that will be conserved for reuse.

Site hoarding, utilities works and offices have now been established, and a 200-metre bore hole has been drilled to confirm the site’s natural thermal capacity, something the team says is a key element of creating a sustainable and energy-efficient resort.

Changes to the initial proposals include the instalment of ground and air-source heat pumps, an added drop-off point off phoenix Way and new walking and cycling routes from the Bridgewater Canal and Metrolink.

Previously speaking about the approval of the planning permission, Russell said: “Therme Manchester will be the UK’s first city-based wellbeing resort. Our ambition is to make a positive difference in millions of people’s lives whilst creating a new wave in urban living.”

James Whittaker, Executive Director of Development at Peel L&P said: “After five years working in partnership with Therme, we are delighted to hear planning permission has been approved for this incredible, high-quality health and wellbeing resort in TraffordCity.

“We’re looking forward to working closely with the whole of the Therme team to deliver something truly unique and iconic in the UK, that is not only world-leading for health and wellbeing, but will also create a significant number of new jobs and have a huge positive economic impact for North West England.”

What can visitors expect?

Therme Manchester attractions include large family and adults-only zones with 18 swimming pools, 18 waterslides, warm water lagoons, multi-sensorial saunas, a snow room and a year-round urban beach.

There will also be water-based fitness classes, evidence-based wellness therapies, botanical gardens, immersive art, urban farms and educational activities to create an ‘integrated wellbeing concept for all ages.’

The resort is forecast to contribute over £4.5 billion to the UK economy, according to an independent PwC study, with most of the positive impact in the Greater Manchester area.

Therme Manchester follows the company’s flagship wellness park in Bucharest, although the new Trafford development is set to be double the size.

Therme is yet to confirm a revised opening date for the project. You can keep up to date with Therme’s progress on the group’s website here.