In September 2025, the Therme Manchester development at Trafford City reached a key milestone as Sir Robert McAlpine was appointed construction manager. The £450 million project aims to create the UK’s first large-scale urban wellbeing resort, marking a major step forward for one of Greater Manchester’s most anticipated leisure schemes.
A Project Years in the Making
The scheme was first approved in 2020. Since then, it has undergone several redesigns. Further, in 2023, a major refresh introduced new features and eco-focused adjustments. Another amendment in 2024 further refined the layout and sustainability goals.
The scheme sits alongside other major Manchester projects navigating delays and rising costs, including the Town Hall restoration, which continues to move forward despite its expanded budget and revised 2028 completion date.
The resort is a large-scale development covering 28 acres, designed to be a year-round destination focused on health and wellbeing, combining water, nature, and technology.
Key features will include:
Water Park: Over 25 pools, 35 waterslides (including the world’s first “living waterslides”), and a wave pool.
Spa and Wellness: The UK’s largest sauna area, 30+ steam rooms and saunas, spa treatments, and fitness classes.
Gardens and Nature: 1,500+ biodiverse trees, botanical gardens, a 10,000 sqm wellbeing garden, an on-site urban farm, and rooftop beehives.
Unique Design Elements: An all-season indoor urban beach, a year-round indoor climate of 33°C, and immersive digital art installations
Project Factsheet – Therme Manchester
Developer Therme Group (Horizon JV with CVC)
Construction Manager Sir Robert McAlpine
Location Trafford City, Greater Manchester
Investment £450 million
Features 35+ waterslides, 25+ pools, saunas, wellbeing garden, art spaces
Design Pavilion-style, eco-focused layout
Connectivity Bee Network, Metrolink, walking routes, car park
Opening 2028
Estimated Annual Visitors 2 million
Resort Features and Visitor Experience
Once complete, the resort will offer more than 35 waterslides and 25 pools. What’s more, it will include the UK’s largest sauna, immersive art spaces, and a landscaped wellbeing garden. Visitors can also expect botanic areas and family-friendly activity zones, adding to the wave of leisure investments in the country such as Universal’s planned first European theme park in the UK.
Design Evolution and Connectivity
Additionally, the original single-glass dome was replaced with pavilion-style buildings. This change reduces environmental impact and improves energy efficiency. The site will link to the Bee Network, Metrolink, and local walking routes. A new multi-storey car park is also planned.
Role of Sir Robert McAlpine
Sir Robert McAlpine is known for delivering complex projects. Furthermore, their experience in large-scale builds makes them the right fit. According to Therme UK’s CEO, the firm’s expertise will bring the ambitious design to life.
Economic Impact and Timeline
The resort will create hundreds of construction jobs. In addition, once open, it is expected to attract two million visitors annually. Trafford Council supports the project for its economic and tourism benefits. Construction is set to begin soon, with opening planned for 2028.
The project aims to be a major boost to the local economy, creating 2,500 construction jobs and 650 permanent operational roles once open.
