Therme Manchester, the UK’s first city-based wellbeing resort, has received approval from Trafford Council’s planning committee for its new design of its landmark wellbeing resort at TraffordCity. Back in June, Therme Manchester implemented a series of design improvements, providing better access for the large number of expected visitors.
The updated scheme features a pavilion-style concept “immersed and enveloped in a natural landscape”. Now approved, the £250m construction is on track to begin later this year with works scheduled to take around 24 months.
Three entrances will welcome guests arriving from all directions and a new, landscaped green boulevard will receive people travelling by car to Therme Manchester and the nearby Trafford Palazzo. Greater access will also be provided for cyclists and those arriving on foot via public transport.
The concept for the project has moved from being principally a single building (with zones) and undulating roof line, to a more pavilion-style concept – with separate, connected structures which are immersed and enveloped in a natural landscape. New on-site parking arrangements are also concealed in nature, the roof providing an outdoor customer terrace with views through to the canal.
The creation of a new connection to the Bridgewater Canal will enhance the link from the resort to Manchester city centre, allowing better access for pedestrians and cyclists. At the centre of the new design is an urban wellbeing garden, inspired by an English meadow.
Therme Manchester will combine hundreds of water-based activities with wellbeing treatments, art, nature and technology, creating a unique experience “never before seen in the UK” which won’t disappoint. According to their latest update, regeneration business Peel L&P has cleared the 28,000 sq metre former EventCity conference and exhibition centre at its TraffordCity site on Barton Dock Road in preparation for the £250m flagship development.
The natural environment will be home to thousands of trees and plants, as well as a whole host of activities – with something for everyone to enjoy. Visitors can expect reasonable prices, as well as a two-acre wellbeing garden, a whopping 35 waterslides, 25 pools (both indoors and outdoors!), a wave pool, 30 saunas and steam rooms and exotic relaxation areas – all under one tropical-inspired roof. Activities will be available for children, adults and the elderly.
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. The centre hopes to fill a gap for much-needed physical and mental well-being in modern-day life, with a tram stop just outside making it accessible for all.
As well as all of the incredible well-being resources and activities, guests will be able to enjoy a range of bars, cafes and restaurants for all occasions, focusing on healthy choices for both adults and children.
Richard Land, Chief Development Officer of Therme Group UK, has said: “Therme Group is based on a belief that wellbeing should be accessible for all. The events of 2020 have shone a light on the necessity of this mission, especially for those in cities.
“Therme Manchester will redefine city wellbeing, enhancing mental and physical health through an experience-based in water and nature. Therme Manchester will offer a unique holiday at home, that acts as a catalyst for healthy lifestyles.”
There are also plans for an education centre at Therme Manchester for schools and community groups to learn about nature and sustainability. Plus, access to local cycleways and paths will be improved, including to the neighbouring Bridgewater Canal, plus Metrolink now stops close to the site of Therme Manchester.
Cllr Tom Ross, Leader of Trafford Council, said: “I am very pleased that the planning committee supported this application. This wellbeing resort is a huge £250m leisure development which is the first of its kind in the country and we are delighted it is being built here in Trafford.
“The resort will attract millions of visitors each year and will add significantly to the local economy during construction and once operational. It will also create more than 1,500 person-years of construction jobs and 600 permanent full-time jobs.
“The development sits a short walk from the latest Metrolink extension and supports several of our key commitments by improving health and wellbeing, providing connectivity for cyclists and pedestrians, creating a new public realm, and regenerating a vacant brownfield site in a sustainable location.”
Back in March 2023, for the UK’s first city-based wellbeing resort, Therme Manchester, announced the completed demolition of the EventCity site, which will allow Therme Group to build a huge, 28-acre resort opposite the Trafford Centre. 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 has plans to expand to other cities in the UK, including London and Glasgow.