Construction begins at £450m Therme Manchester
After more than five years of sitting in design purgatory, the “once-in-a-generation” TraffordCity resort and spa is on its way to becoming reality.
During that time, the budget for Therme Manchester has risen 80% from £250m to £450m as construction material prices have soared and inflation increased in the post-Covid era. The scheme’s multiple redesigns have been focussed on increasing sustainability credentials and reducing its carbon footprint.
Today, Therme UK gathered together with main contractor Sir Robert McAlpine, TraffordCity developer Peel Waters, and key stakeholders to celebrate the project entering the construction phase.
Spades are to go into the ground later this month for the project. This puts Therme Manchester in line for a 2028 opening.
The spa, when it opens, will feature a series of pools, waterslides, saunas, and steam rooms. There will also be a botanical garden, a wellbeing garden, and a snow room.
During its construction period, around 2,500 constructions jobs are to be created. Once operational it will create 650 jobs.
“Today marks the official beginning of a once-in-a-generation project for Manchester and the North West,” said Therme UK chief executive Professor David Russell.
“Therme Manchester will be a place for everyone – a unique destination where wellbeing, sustainability, art and culture come together,” he continued.
“Our vision is to make a lasting positive impact: creating jobs, supporting communities, and helping people live healthier, happier lives for years to come.”
Therme currently operates resorts in Erding and Bucharest. Its Bucharest location, which opened in 2016, boasts a peak visitation of more than 8,000 people a day.
Therme Manchester is the centerpiece of Peel Waters’ plans for TraffordCity, with Peel working collaboratively with Therme to bring the spa to the North West.
“From our very first meeting, we knew Therme’s vision would be transformational, and together we’ve worked tirelessly to get to this moment and start the build of this world-class wellness destination in TraffordCity,” said Peel Waters managing director James Whittaker.
“Therme Manchester will be a true gamechanger not just for TraffordCity, but for Greater Manchester and the North,” he went on.
“It will regenerate a key site, create thousands of jobs, and deliver a landmark experience that promotes health, happiness, and connection. We’re very proud to be part of a project that will completely redefine leisure and wellbeing in the UK and Europe.”
Therme’s in-house architecture firm Therme Arc designed the resort complex. The scheme’s planning project team also includes WSP, BWB, Ensight Solutions, Toren, Buro Happold, Reform, TTHC, RWDI, and EuroFins.
You can review the application for Therme Manchester by using reference number 114046/VAR/24 on Trafford Council’s planning portal.
