It’s been a few years since Therme Manchester, a huge £450million water resort, was first announced, and we haven’t heard much since. But that isn’t because things haven’t been happening for the project, they’ve just been happening behind the scenes.
The boring stuff – legalities, planning permission, admin stuff – is all done now, and work is finally ready to begin on actually building the thing. Once complete, Therme will become the largest ‘wellness resort’ in Britain, with ‘state-of-the-art swimming and thermal bathing areas’, spa zones, a fitness centre, waterslides, saunas, and cafés.
There will also be dedicated places for families to play, and for adults to enjoy cocktails in between dips in the water. The goal is to create ‘a place for everyone – a unique destination where wellbeing, sustainability, art and culture come together’, and no expense is being spared.
Ground was broken at the Therme site on Friday morning (September 12), and bosses announced a provisional plan to open in 2028, with a more specific date to be given closer to the time. Throughout the construction phase, nearly 2500 jobs will be generated, with 650 permanent positions to be created once it actually opens.
The CEO for Therme UK said that Friday marked ‘the official beginning of a once-in-a-generation project for Manchester and the North West’, adding: ‘Our vision is to make a lasting positive impact: creating jobs, supporting communities, and helping people live healthier, happier lives for years to come’.
Alongside the announcement that construction was beginning, Therme provided some brand new pictures of what the building will look like, and it’s pretty cool. Imagine the Eden project mixed with the Sydney Opera House, only next door to the Trafford Centre. If that description only confused you further, have a look for yourself. Here’s what you can expect from Manchester Therme, coming sometime in 2028:
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