Article Summary

The Manchester City Council has approved plans for the water park and wellness spa ‘Therme Manchester’, which is set to open in 2025. The location previously housed EventCity until its demolition.

The original plan for this £250 million water park and wellness spa received approval in 2020. However, it was resubmitted following a collaboration between Peel L&P and Therme Group, who took advantage of the pandemic-induced pause to refine their proposal.

These refinements encompassed a shift from a single structure to a ‘pavilion style’ design, adjustments to the entrance and parking facilities, and the introduction of connections to the Bridgewater Canal and the city centre. Remarkably, the site will even feature an ‘urban beach.’

The Trafford Park project for the Therme Resort, consisting of 28 acres, will be presented before Trafford’s planning and development management committee on Thursday, September 14. While originally granted approval in March 2020, the planning permission has lapsed, prompting a second review by council members, this time with modifications.

The proposed resort continues to include a striking, predominantly glass-clad main building housing a diverse array of health and wellness amenities, such as swimming pools, saunas, treatment rooms, and water slides.

In the outdoor realm, the site will boast landscaped areas, gardens, swimming pools, and natural pools. Additionally, the rear of the site will open up to the Bridgewater Canal.

Notably, there have been four objections lodged against the plan. Concerns raised include worries about increased traffic and its impact on nearby businesses, the adequacy of the filter for turning into Mercury Way from Barton Dock Road, the preferred location of the car park, and objections to using Mercury Way for parking with a drop-off point.

Opponents also contend that the development necessitates alterations to ‘third-party land,’ which will disrupt operations and adjacent businesses. They argue that the plans fail to account for the significant volume of pedestrians being directed into an area with ongoing vehicular movements and 40-foot trailers near a neighboring warehouse building. Alleged inaccuracies and inconsistencies in transport surveys and data have also been pointed out.

However, despite these objections, Trafford’s planning officers have recommended approval for the scheme. They emphasise the potential creation of 1,320 construction jobs and an additional 670 permanent full-time positions once operational. According to a report, the development is expected to contribute approximately £97 million to the local economy during the construction phase and an annual £38 million once it is fully operational.

Furthermore, the project promises improved connectivity for cyclists and pedestrians, the establishment of a new public realm, the rejuvenation of a vacant brownfield site in a sustainable location with a building of exceptional design quality, a net gain in biodiversity, and substantial additions to green infrastructure.

Should it receive approval, Therme will be divided into four distinct zones: Galaxy, tailored for families with features like flumes, wave pools, and relaxation areas; Palm, focusing on relaxation and rejuvenation with swim-up bars, therapeutic mineral baths, and steam rooms; Elysium, dedicated to exploring historical traditions of wellbeing and thermal therapies; and Genesis, designed to enhance physical and mental health, incorporating advanced body scanning technology and one-on-one sessions with expert therapists.

To find out about more of some of the most attractive new-build and regeneration projects that Manchester has to offer, click here.