Construction begins on Therme Manchester

Therme Group has announced that building work has begun on its £450 million wellbeing resort in Manchester.

Therme Manchester will become the UK’s largest wellbeing resort when it opens at the end of 2028. It will combine nature, water and wellbeing with cutting-edge architecture and technology to create a year-round destination.

The resort will feature swimming and thermal bathing areas as well as spa and fitness zones. There will be immersive digital art and sustainable gardens, all designed to support health, happiness and social connection.

With a unique blend of wellness activities and experiences, Therme Manchester is being billed as a transformational destination for wellbeing.

“Our vision is to make a lasting positive impact,” said Therme Group CEO, Professor David Russell –  one of European Spa’s icons in the 2024 Platinum Resource. “We’re creating jobs, supporting communities and helping people live healthier, happier lives for years to come.”

Speaking exclusively to European Spa, Russell said the brand is committed to advancing democratised wellbeing infrastructures worldwide.

“Providing access to wellness facilities improves health and mental health outcomes,” he said. “It can also boost city profiles … and build resilient communities, encouraging active healthy lifestyles. Access to water and nature can reduce healthcare expenditure and the economic impact of sick days. The list goes on and on.”

Water-based wellbeing

Therme Manchester will combine hundreds of water-based activities with wellbeing treatments. The 65,000sqm design includes separate, connected structures immersed in a natural landscape.

A large family zone will include waterslides, a wave pool, indoor and outdoor pools, and relaxation areas. There will also be a dedicated adults’ area with warm-water lagoons, swim-up bars, mineral baths and heat experiences.

Daily programming will include water-based fitness classes, yoga and Pilates in the surrounding gardens.

Ground has been broken and the main construction phase is set to begin at the end of September with the official opening date due to be announced nearer the time.

Sustainability is central to the project, with innovative construction methods including air source heat pumps and on-site 3D printing of building components to reduce waste and emissions.

The Therme Group vision of wellbeing

A global developer and operator of wellbeing destinations, Therme Group runs large-scale urban resorts created to improve collective wellbeing.

Its flagship destinations include Therme Bucharest and Therme Erding, Europe’s largest and most visited thermal destination. Therme Erding features 35 steam baths and saunas, a 40-pool bathing oasis as well as indoor and outdoor water slides.

“By breaking away from the exclusivity of traditional wellness, we aim to reimagine the sector’s potential and its benefits for society as a whole,” said Dr. Robert Hanea, founder and CEO of Therme Group.

New destinations in development include Frankfurt, Incheon, Toronto, Washington DC, Dallas and Dubai.

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