A beach in Manchester? Not yet, as £250m water park opening is hit by delays

Ian Brown once said, “Manchester has everything except a beach…”

That all looked set to change when plans to build Therme Manchester, a £250 million wellness resort featuring an artificial beach, were approved last year.

However, it seems we’ll have to wait a bit longer to dip our toes in the Trafford sand, as Therme Manchester has been hit by a delay.

Therme Manchester

Therme Manchester, poised to become a groundbreaking addition to the UK’s wellness and leisure landscape, features an array of attractions designed to offer an unparalleled experience.

The resort will include saunas, an urban well-being garden, an indoor beach, a water park, mineral pools, botanical gardens, a spa, massage beds, a vertical farm, beehives, a rooftop garden, and restaurants.

However, due to unforeseen delays, visitors will need to wait a bit longer to enjoy these amenities.

Why is Therme Delayed?

In a recent statement, David Russell, CEO of Therme Group UK, assured that the project’s “revised timeline” is progressing smoothly.

“We are on track with our revised timeline,” Russell confirmed.

“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.”

Updates to planning permission

The latest design enhancements for Therme Manchester have been submitted to Trafford Council as a ‘section 73’ update to the existing planning permission.

These updates reflect a focused commitment to sustainability, visitor experience, and architectural excellence.

Notably, the updated plans include energy-efficient systems such as heat pumps and reduced reliance on glass, steel, and concrete, significantly decreasing the site’s CO2 footprint and water usage.

Additionally, the visitor arrival experience at the south entrance has been improved, and public areas within the 28-acre resort have been expanded.

“Prioritising the environment”

“Therme Manchester is committed to creating a destination that prioritises the wellbeing of individuals and the environment,” Russell emphasised.

“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.”

What will Therme be like inside?

If approved, Therme will split into four zones: Galaxy – An area for families featuring flumes wave pools, and relaxation areas; Palm – Focusing on relaxation and rejuvenation and features swim-up bars, therapeutic mineral baths and steam rooms; Elysium – dedicated to allowing visitors to explore historical traditions of wellbeing, with an emphasis on thermal therapies; and Genesis – designed to enhance physical and mental health featuring advanced body scanners and one-to-one sessions with expert therapists.

How will Therme boost the economy?

The scheme had been recommended for approval by Trafford’s planning officers, who have cited the creation of 1,320 construction jobs and a further 670 permanent full-time jobs once it is open.

“The development will also add approximately £97m gross value to the local economy during construction and £38m annually once operational,” a report says.

“Other benefits include improved connectivity for cyclists and pedestrians, the creation of a new public realm, the regeneration of a vacant brownfield site in a sustainable location with a building of the highest design quality, biodiversity net gain and a substantial amount of new green infrastructure.”

Despite the delays, the approval of plans by Trafford Council and ongoing enhancements indicate that Therme Manchester will ultimately provide a transformative experience for visitors and a substantial economic boost to the local area.

You can find out more about Therme Manchester by clicking here