The UK's first city-based wellbeing resort has been approved for development in Manchester.

The £250 million project was unanimously approved at a meeting of Trafford Council's planning committee on Thursday evening, 05 March.

Set in Peel L&P's TraffordCity, Therme Manchester will combine hundreds of water-based activities with wellbeing treatments, art, nature and technology to create a unique experience never before seen in the UK. The 28-acre site is set to welcome up to two million visitors per year, within five years.

Therme Manchester's natural environment will be created by world-leading designers, artists, architects and engineers to achieve the highest levels of experience, quality and sustainability.

The central focus of the project is a two-acre wellbeing garden in the shape of a Rose, the national flower of England. This bio-diverse garden for all seasons will be an evolving work of art, with petal-shaped terraces and beautiful pools and water features. It will act as a focal point for socialising, learning and discovery.


A large family zone will include waterslides, a wave pool, indoor and outdoor pools, steam rooms, exotic palm tree relaxation areas and dozens of other fun, relaxing and healthy activities, all in a perfect tropical environment.

Other features include a dedicated adults' area, a range of bars, cafés and restaurants, and thousands of trees and plants to create a bio-diverse environment.

Speaking on the approval, Stelian Iacob, Senior Vice President of Therme Group Worldwide and CEO of Therme Group UK, commented: "We are delighted that planning has been approved so we can bring the UK's first Therme Group city wellbeing resort to Manchester. This will transform life for city residents and people further afield, creating a fun and accessible experience with profound health and wellbeing benefits for all."

Andrew Western, Trafford Council Leader, added: "We are delighted that this Therme Group development, the first of its kind in the UK, is coming to Trafford. It is a huge scheme which will be a fantastic addition to the area and supports several of the Council's priorities including health and wellbeing. It will bring thousands of jobs to the borough and millions of visitors each year, who will benefit our local economy on a massive scale. We are proud that Therme Group has selected Trafford for this superb development."

Therme Manchester is anticipated to open in 2023.

(CM/MH)