Therme Manchester, the city’s much-hyped thermal theme park, hosted its Beyond Groundbreaking event today (Friday 12th September).
The event marks the official start of construction on what will become the UK’s largest wellbeing resort and one of the most significant building developments for the North in many years.
Enabling groundworks were completed late last year, while the construction phase will begin at the end of this month. Completion of the £450 million project is scheduled for the end of 2028, and an official opening date will be announced nearer the time.
The event at the future site of Therme Manchester at TraffordCity, brings together local leaders, partners and community members to celebrate the first steps in creating this transformational destination.
Therme Manchester is set to create around 2,500 construction jobs (direct) with a peak onsite of 1,200. It will also employ 650 staff to operate the resort and will build long-term partnerships with local businesses, charities and community groups. Having already supported initiatives across the city, including the Manchester Marathon, NHS programmes and cultural events, Therme Manchester’s commitment will continue throughout the project.
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Sustainability is central to the project. On a per-guest basis, the carbon footprint is significantly lower than alternatives such as overseas travel or other spa experiences, and the project is aligned with Manchester’s target to become a carbon net zero city by 2038.
Wherever possible, materials are being sourced locally, with innovative construction methods, including air source heat pumps and on-site 3D printing of building components reducing waste and emissions with accelerated delivery.
Therme Manchester will combine cutting-edge architecture and technology with nature, water and wellbeing to create a year-round destination that supports health, happiness and social connection. The resort will feature state-of-the-art swimming and thermal bathing areas, spa and fitness zones, immersive digital art, sustainable gardens and a diverse range of restaurants and cafes.
Professor David Russell, Therme UK CEO said: “Today marks the official beginning of a once-in-a-generation project for Manchester and the North West. Therme Manchester will be a place for everyone – a unique destination where wellbeing, sustainability, art and culture come together. Our vision is to make a lasting positive impact: creating jobs, supporting communities, and helping people live healthier, happier lives for years to come.”
James Whittaker, managing director of Peel Waters said: “We’re thrilled to have reached this pivotal moment as work begins on site at Therme Manchester. It marks the culmination of years of close collaboration between Peel Waters and Therme Group, an extraordinary partnership built on shared values and wanting to deliver the very best for our community.
“From our very first meeting, we knew Therme’s vision would be transformational, and together we’ve worked tirelessly to get to this moment and start the build of this world-class wellness destination in TraffordCity. Therme Manchester will be a true gamechanger not just for TraffordCity, but for Greater Manchester and the North. It will regenerate a key site, create thousands of jobs, and deliver a landmark experience that promotes health, happiness, and connection. We’re very proud to be part of a project that will completely redefine leisure and wellbeing in the UK and Europe.”
