A significant advancement has been made in the development of a large water park featuring numerous slides. Sir Robert McAlpine has been appointed as the construction manager for the highly anticipated £450 million Therme Manchester wellbeing resort in TraffordCity. Once completed, this attraction will stand as the largest thermal pool complex in Europe.
Through various planning stages, the original design concept of a single building with a vast undulating full-glass roof has evolved into a configuration of interconnected roofed pavilions. The resort is set to offer an array of amenities, including 30 waterslides, the largest sauna area in the UK, multiple steam rooms, botanical gardens, immersive art installations, and a wave pool for families.
Situated at the heart of TraffordCity, the resort will be easily accessible to swimmers via the Bee Network, Metrolink, and new canal-side walking and cycling paths. Additionally, a multi-storey car park is planned for drivers.
The appointment of the construction manager aims to prevent further delays in the opening of Therme. Originally slated for a 2025 debut, the launch has been postponed to 2028, with the project cost soaring from the initial estimate of £250 million to an astounding £400 million.
After initial activity at the Trafford Centre site last October, progress seemed to slow down, raising concerns. However, recent updates from management indicate that the “first major construction phase” is scheduled to commence later this year.
In October, a significant milestone was marked with the drilling of a massive 200-meter borehole at the TraffordCity site to utilize its natural thermal capabilities, a critical element for the resort’s energy efficiency.
Professor David Russell, CEO of Therme UK, attributed the cost escalation to outdated design elements and construction expenses. The updated design incorporates additional public space, sustainability initiatives, an inner wellbeing garden, a cutting-edge energy center focusing on air-sourced heat pumps, and an integrated water retention system, making Therme Manchester a pioneering facility in the UK.
Therme Group currently operates sites across Europe, such as Therme Bucharest and Therme Erding, drawing over 3.5 million visitors annually. The upcoming Therme destination in Manchester is anticipated to bring a substantial tourism boost to the area.
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