Work to start next year on £250m Therme Manchester
A long-awaited, 28-acre well-being complex boasting 25 pools and more than 35 waterslides is set to be built at Trafford City.
Appointments have been made to key construction roles and some designs have been tweaked, according to an update provided by Therme Group ahead of groundworks which will start in the year the venue was originally scheduled to open.
They say a team of experienced specialists has been recruited to deliver on-site construction, as they continue to work closely with Peel Waters in master planning the wider Trafford City area.
The minor changes to Therme Manchester, which range from materials used in the build to accessibility, are with Trafford Council as a ‘section 73’ update to the existing planning permission granted last year.
The alterations focus on sustainability, visitor experience, and architectural excellence including the use of heat pumps and a reduction in glass, steel, and concrete in the building at the site of the former Eventcity, off Barton Dock Road.
It is anticipated that these changes will result in a significant reduction in the CO2 footprint and water usage.
Other changes include the addition of a managed drop-off on Phoenix Way, to enhance accessibility and visitor arrival at the south entrance. Larger public realm areas have also been created.
Some elements of the project remain the same, including the Mercury Way route for coaches and taxis, as well as walking and cycling routes between the Bridgewater Canal and Metrolink.
Chief executive officer of Therme Group UK, Professor David Russell, said; “Therme Manchester is committed to creating a destination that prioritises the wellbeing of individuals and the environment.
“We are delighted to see all the excitement and positive feedback in Manchester and further afield and we will continue to deliver updates to the community on the status of the project.
“Therme Manchester is large, complex and holds significant community impact. We are on track with our revised timeline.
“The site hoardings are being installed, utility preparations have commenced, and groundworks will begin in 2025 with a design that delivers a landmark development which will stand as a beacon of wellbeing innovation.”
Another facet of the development is a pair of multi-story car parks housing more than 1,500 spaces.
WSP is advising on planning. Therme’s in-house architecture practice Therme ARC, worked alongside alongside Fletcher Priest and Gross.Max.
Also on the project team are BWB, Ensight, Toren, Buro Happold, TTHC, and RWDI.
To learn more about the project, search for application reference 111318/FUL/23 on Trafford Council’s planning portal.
