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.
I was very hopeful and excited for this but it’s starting to turn into abit of a joke, especially after all the publicity they did around it. Believe it when I see it.
By Bob
Agree with Bob – believe it when I see it. There’s been what feels like 50 press releases saying that work is due to start but has been delayed for whatever reason. Get on with it!!
By Waterslide User
This scheme has had more false starts than a drunk athlete in the 100 metres. I’ll believe it when I see it. Real shame because I was really looking forward to going to the place.
By Manc Man
It would be fantastic to have a firm start date
By TJL
Another empty promise from Peel. As others have said, believe it when I see it
By Anon
Trafford centre has caused such transport issues and it’s getting worse, congestion every day, this new project is going to cause sheer HELL for traffic as there is now and never will be the transport infrastructure in place, this is about making money for businesses
By Mayhem
I think this will be a great addition IF it ever gets built. However, just doing some back of napkin maths, Assuming they want to make a return over 10 years, just to break even on the build they need to take 70k per day, every day, for 10 years. This isn’t including overhead/salaries/profit etc. I may just be completely out of touch and not the target audience but would this attract that many people every single day to make a scheme like this viable? It’s not like Trafford is the place you think of when you think spa weekend in the sunshine surrounded by an industrial estate.
By Egg
I was so looking forward to this project given the economic and health benefits it would provide to the UK. However, I am starting to get really fed up of these constant delays. I’m going to start to believe it is gonna happen when I see it.
By Hassnat Ahmad
Please make accessibility easy for disabled swimmers in some of the pools, such as gentle sloping steps, this would be very helpful for those with walking difficulties.
Kind regards Ian.
By Ian Rothwell
The new plans aren’t as good as the originals.
The new ones have lots of outdoor areas and we all know Greater Manchester has tropical weather!
By Katie
Projects like this and the Bridgewater Gardens make a big deal about how ‘green’ they are but keep very quiet about the extra traffic and pollution they create.
By Phil
The last Therme Group project was completed in Bucharest in 2016, according to their website. Since then, lots of artists impressions.
By Anonymous
I’m in my 70s and the constant construction postponements will mean that I may not live to see it.
By Anonymous