The ground has finally been broken to start works on the vast £250million Therme Manchester wellness resort next to the Trafford Centre. The hoardings are now up and the first major building activity has begun.
A vast 200 metre bore hole has been drilled into the site at Trafford City to harnass its "natural thermal capacity" - key to creating the energy-efficient resort. When complete, the 28-acre facility will boast an epic waterpark featuring 25 swimming pools and 30 water slides as well as swim-up bars, saunas and wellness suites.
Photos released today have shown the sheer scale of the work ahead. Diggers are pictured clearing the concrete from the the former Event City site - with the materials all to be "conserved and reused" in the new construction.
READ MORE: Manchester Christmas Markets dates, times and locations now confirmed for 2024 return
Therme bosses have announced that the development has now officially started after securing the latest approval from Trafford Council to planning amendments on the site which had set back the initial works starting. The redesign of the resort shows a new look for the exterior, that boasts a series of domed glass roofs.
Bosses say they are now on track with their "revised timeline" although a new planned opening date has not yet been confirmed. The building works are expected to take two and a half years which would push the opening into 2027.
The completed Therme Manchester resort will offer "an immersive experience not seen before in the UK", bosses promise.
In a statement, the company said: "Today, Tuesday 15th October 2024, Therme Manchester gained approval from Trafford Council for its Section 73 planning amendment. The approval coincides with the commencement of enabling work on site, which includes the demolition of the pre-existing concrete slabs that will be conserved and reused in construction.
"Site hoarding, utilities works and offices have been established. A 200 metre bore hole has been drilled to confirm the site’s natural thermal capacity, a key element of creating a sustainable and energy-efficient resort."
They added that the approved plans have enhanced accessibility, with a "welcoming drop-off point" on Phoenix Way. The expanded public realm areas across the 28-acre resort will create a "tranquil environment, allowing guests to connect with nature".
Meanwhile, the existing routes for coaches, taxis, and parking on Mercury Way remain unchanged, ensuring efficient transportation and logistics management. Walking and cycling routes between the Bridgewater Canal and Metrolink will be preserved, "promoting active lifestyles and connectivity".
Guided by the principle of “wellbeing for all,” Therme facilities are set to offer holistic, accessibly priced services for guests of all ages. The resorts will combine thermal bathing and sauna experiences, reimagined family-friendly water-based attractions, botanical and community gardens, personalised treatments, nutritious food and beverages, and engaging art programmes.
Professor David Russell, CEO of Therme Group UK, commented: "We are delighted to have received approval for our Section 73 planning amendment, driving the realisation of our vision for Therme Manchester. This development will stand as a beacon of wellbeing and innovation, contributing to the cultural and social fabric of Greater Manchester.
"Local contractors are delivering the initial works, and we will remain committed to contributing significantly to the community and the local economy."
The opening date is yet to be announced. But Professor Russell said that their focus is on "swift" construction timelines.
He said : "Our Pedigree is to focus on design detail and technical delivery schedules traditionally resulting in swift 24-to-30-month construction timelines, Therme Manchester is a complex large-scale project which is progressing well, so it is too early to announce a precise opening date."
James Whittaker, Managing Director of Peel Waters where the development sits, said: "It is great news that this planning amendment has been approved as we can now all focus on the delivery of this phenomenal and much anticipated resort in TraffordCity.
“TraffordCity is all about bringing unique and experiential leisure concepts together in one accessible location; Therme Manchester will not just be a gamechanger for Greater Manchester but for the Northwest and the UK.
"The resort will offer something which has never been seen before in the UK and we are looking forward to continuing to work closely with Therme Group to deliver this exceptional offering.”
