THE UK’s new £250 million water park with 25 pools and an indoor beach has been forced to delay its opening date.
State of the art plans for Therme Manchester were first revealed in 2020, and the site was cleared in March 2023 – with hopes to open by 2025.
The 28-acre resort is set to offer Brits the choice of 25 swimming pools, including a wave pool, as well as 35 water slides.
It will also boast an indoor beach, the first all-season beach in the country, as well as an entire wellness area called the “Garden of Wellness”.
This includes an adult-only section that offers a touch of luxury – with swim up bars, water lagoons, steam rooms and saunas.
Another artist’s impression shows the exterior of the attraction, which will be a series of glass-covered areas simulating a wave.
Leader of Trafford Council Tom Ross previously he was delighted by Therme Manchester as it was the “first of its kind in the country”.
He added not only will it attract millions of visitors a year, but will create 600 jobs.
But, an official opening date and ticket prices are yet to be announced.
However, it was revealed that progress has been halted, as reported by the Manchester Evening News.
Bosses confirmed delays as works have still not started on the site, and won’t until 2025.
They blamed the slower progress on the discovery of rare orchid flowers on the site which have had to be “protected and transplanted.”
New plans have since been drawn up and submitted to Trafford Council.
A statement read: “Therme Manchester has entered the next significant phase of development, with key construction roles appointed, and a refined design update, ahead of ground works beginning.
“The design enhancements to Therme have been submitted to Trafford Council as a ‘section 73’ update to the existing planning permission. The new designs focus on sustainability, visitor experience, and architectural excellence.
“Therme’s design will include energy-efficient systems such as heat pumps and a reduced use of glass, steel and concrete. Advanced design efficiencies will lead to a significant reduction in the CO2 footprint and water usage.”
The statement added: “Therme Group envisions the new Therme Manchester wellbeing resort, which is located in TraffordCity, as an integral part of Greater Manchester’s attractions, contributing to the city’s appeal as a tourist destination and delivering a vital component of cultural and social fabric to the city.”
CEO of Therme Group UK, Professor David Russell, said; “Therme Manchester is committed to creating a destination that prioritises the wellbeing of individuals and the environment.
“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. We are on track with our revised timeline.
“The site hoardings are being installed, utility preparations have commenced, and ground works will begin in 2025 with a design that delivers a landmark development which will stand as a beacon of wellbeing innovation.”
