Planning approved for Therme Manchester

Therme Group to build UK’s first city-based wellbeing resort in Manchester

Plans to build the UK’s first city-based wellbeing resort in Manchester, in Peel L&P’s TraffordCity, have been unanimously approved at a meeting of Trafford Council’s planning committee on Thursday evening. Therme Manchester will combine hundreds of water-based activities with wellbeing treatments, art, nature and technology to create a unique experience never before seen in the UK. With an estimated cost in the region of £250m, it is forecast to attract up to two million visitors per year, within five years, making it the most visited water-based attraction in Europe. Global wellbeing organisation Therme Group, plans to open Therme Manchester in 2023.

At 28-acres, the size of 19 football pitches, Therme Manchester will be opposite intu Trafford Centre next to Barton Square, with a Metrolink station directly outside. EventCity, which currently occupies part of the site, will be relocated and redeveloped as a state-of-the-art events venue in TraffordCity.

Therme Manchester’s natural environment, with thousands of plants and trees, will be created by world-leading designers, artists, architects and engineers to achieve the highest levels of experience, quality and sustainability. Combined with hundreds of activities for all, visitors will have an experience far beyond anything offered in a hotel, gym or holiday resort, at a fraction of the cost.

Socialising, learning and discovery

The central focus of the project is a two-acre wellbeing garden in the shape of a Rose, the national flower of England. This bio-diverse garden for all seasons will be an evolving work of art, with petal- shaped terraces and beautiful pools and water features. It will act as a focal point for socialising, learning and discovery.

A large family zone will include waterslides, a wave pool, indoor and outdoor pools, steam rooms, exotic palm tree relaxation areas and dozens of other fun, relaxing and healthy activities, all in a perfect tropical environment.

A dedicated adults’ area will have warm-water lagoons among spectacular botanical gardens, swim- up bars, therapeutic mineral baths and beautifully designed steam rooms and saunas. Daily programming will include water-based fitness classes, and beautiful gardens will surround the area, creating spaces for yoga, Pilates and other activities.

Physical and mental wellbeing for all

Therme Manchester helps to address the vital modern-day need for physical and mental wellbeing for all, of which there is a growing awareness worldwide. It redefines the concept of wellbeing, with activities for children, adults and seniors offering both fun leisure time and the benefits of an active, healthy lifestyle.

A wide range of individual wellbeing treatments will be available, with programmes tailored for guests of all ages and needs. With advanced body scanners and skilled therapists, each guest can have a unique programme designed especially for them, inspired by traditions from across the globe.

Throughout Therme Manchester there will be a range of bars, cafés and restaurants offering everything from snacks and light bites to à la carte service. Menus will be expertly created to appeal to all visitors while offering healthy choices that both adults and children will love.

Nature and art are integrated in the Therme Manchester experience, as essential elements in maintaining and restoring physical and mental health. Thousands of trees and plants will create a bio-diverse environment and Therme Manchester will work in collaboration with world-leading artists to create accessible art experiences, which provide opportunities for active engagement, reflection and contemplation.

Accessible, world class attraction

Speaking on the approval, Stelian Iacob, Senior Vice President of Therme Group Worldwide and CEO of Therme Group UK, commented: “We are delighted that planning has been approved so 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.”

James Whittaker, Peel L&P Group Development Director, added: “The creation of Therme Manchester will bring an accessible, yet world-class health and wellbeing attraction to the people of Greater Manchester and beyond. It will transform TraffordCity, bring fantastic employment opportunities as well as bolster the regional economy including tourism and be a key contributor to the Northern Powerhouse.”

Andrew Western, Trafford Council Leader, commented “We are delighted that this Therme Group development, the first of its kind in the UK, is coming to Trafford. It is a huge scheme which will be a fantastic addition to the area and supports several of the Council’s priorities including health and wellbeing. It will bring thousands of jobs to the borough and millions of visitors each year, who will benefit our local economy on a massive scale. We are proud that Therme Group has selected Trafford for this superb development.”

Therme Manchester is the latest development in Therme Group’s global expansion programme, to create the most advanced wellbeing resorts in cities around the world. It is the first of a number of new generation projects in development by Therme Group, including other UK locations, mainland Europe, North America and the Asia-Pacific region.