£250m Therme Manchester gains planning approval

Planning approval has been granted for the country’s first city-based wellbeing resort in Manchester.

Located in Peel L&P’s Trafford City, Therme Manchester will cost an estimated £250m (€397m) and combine hundreds of water-based activities with wellbeing treatments, art, nature and technology.

Developed by Therme Group, the project will cover 65,000sqm and is forecast to attract up to two million visitors per year within five years.

The project’s designers, architects and engineers have yet to be confirmed but the central focus will be a two-acre wellbeing garden in the shape of England’s national flower, the rose. The bio-diverse garden will feature petal-shaped terraces, pools and water features, and is intended to encourage socialising, learning and discovery.

A large family zone will include waterslides, a wave pool, indoor and outdoor pools and palm tree relaxation areas. There will also be a dedicated adults’ area with warm-water lagoons, swim-up bars, mineral baths and a range of heat experiences. Daily programming will include water-based fitness classes and yoga and Pilates in the surrounding gardens.

Stelian Iacob, senior vice-president of Therme Group Worldwide and CEO of Therme Group UK, said: “We’re delighted that we can bring the UK’s first Therme Group city wellbeing resort to Manchester. This will transform life for city residents and people further afield, creating a fun and accessible experience with profound health and wellbeing benefits for all.”