Sir Robert McAlpine has been appointed construction manager for the £450m Therme Manchester wellbeing resort, following planning approval granted last September.
Client Therme Group confirmed that McAlpine’s appointment follows a pre-construction services agreement and coincides with the formation of a €1bn joint venture with investment firm CVC, named Therme Horizon.
Located at the former EventCity site in TraffordCity, the 14.4-hectare project will include the UK’s largest sauna, botanical gardens, immersive art installations and a wave pool. The council-approved plans also outline a focus on sustainable travel, including access via the Metrolink and enhanced cycling routes.
The project was approved by Trafford Council in September 2023, with planning officers describing it as in line with both local and national policy. At that time, the council estimated that the construction cost would be £250m. However, Sir Robert McAlpine said that the value is now £450m.
Site clearance and demolition works on EventCity have already taken place.
The development was promoted as supporting regeneration of brownfield land and creating hundreds of construction jobs.
Therme UK chief executive Professor David Russell said McAlpine was selected for its “shared commitment to community and sustainability”. McAlpine chief executive Neil Martin called the resort a “visionary” project.
Trafford Council leader Tom Ross described it as a “boost” to the local economy and a contributor to active travel and public health goals.
Further updates on construction progress are expected later this year.
Construction details
The main building will comprise a series of interconnected steel-framed pavilions arranged around a central garden, topped with glazed roofs and curtain walling. Facades will include green walls and timber-panelled spa pods, while solar-controlled glazing will help regulate internal conditions.
At 54.5 metres high, the building has been designed to align with neighbouring structures and reduce visual bulk through an undulating form.
Two multi-storey car parks will provide a total of 1,599 spaces, including 66 accessible bays and 100 cycle bays. Vehicles will access the site via Phoenix Way and Mercury Way, with a subterranean route to shield traffic from canal views.
A logistics hub and greenhouse, both clad in grey sandwich panels, will support servicing, deliveries and food storage. The logistics hub will cover 54 square metres, while the greenhouse will span 410 square metres.
Extensive hard and soft landscaping is planned across the 14.4-hectare site, including woodland, meadow and wetland planting.
A stepped public plaza will open access to the Bridgewater Canal towpath, and new cycle and pedestrian routes will link the development with Greater Manchester’s Bee Network and Metrolink system.
The building design prioritises structural efficiency and reduced material use. Green roofs and vertical planting will support biodiversity, with native and climate-adaptive species used near the canal.
Source: Sir Robert McAlpine announcement and planning documents
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Colin Marrs