New aerial drone footage has revealed the scale and outline of the £500m Therme Manchester development, the UK’s largest wellbeing resort. From above, the outline of the project’s central circular hub – a key feature of the design previously seen only in CGI renderings – is now clearly visible on the ground as construction progresses.
Construction started in September 2025, and now earthworks by P.P. O’Connor are beginning to define the site for the first time. Spanning a site roughly the size of 28 football pitches, the emerging layout marks a shift from concept to construction, as the outline of the scheme starts to take form within the landscape. As groundwork progresses across the site, the aerial footage also begins to show how the development’s wider footprint will sit within the surrounding area.
Jonathan Lingham, Chief Commercial Officer at Therme Manchester, said: “For the first time, you can see the design translating into reality. The central hub is a defining part of the scheme, and it’s now clearly visible on site as the project begins to take shape.”
What to expect at Therme Manchester
Therme Manchester will combine the largest thermal pool complex in Europe under one roof. There will be more than 25 water slides, the largest sauna area in the UK, multiple steam rooms, and a wave pool for children and families.
The resort will feature state-of-the-art swimming and thermal bathing areas, spa and fitness zones, immersive digital art, sustainable gardens and a diverse range of restaurants and cafes all under one tropical-inspired roof.
Therme Manchester will also be home to its very own ‘urban beach’, too, where guests will be able to kick back and relax. Water lagoons and swim-up bars will be surrounded by beautiful, botanical gardens, while mineral baths, yoga sessions and fitness classes will take place elsewhere in the dynamic centre.
When will Therme Manchester open?
Once complete around the end of 2028, Therme Manchester will become one of the largest urban wellbeing resorts in the world. An official opening date will be announced nearer the time.
Next month the hoardings surrounding the site will feature wellbeing-themed designs created by young people and pupils from schools in Trafford and Salford, as part of a special competition. The winner will go with their family to visit Therme Bucharest in Romania.
Therme Manchester is predicted to attract two million visitors annually, which will make it the most visited water-based attraction in Europe. Therme Group also plans to expand to other cities in the UK, including London and Glasgow.