Inside the £500m spa taking shape 35 minutes from St Helens

Therme Manchester, an estimated £500 million wellbeing resort under construction at TraffordCity, is beginning to take shape on its 28-acre site, with foundations now visible for its three main zones.

Cranes are on site and the areas dedicated to Play, Restore, and Relax are starting to take form.

The resort is beginning to take shape (Image: Supplied)

A key construction milestone is about to be reached with work beginning on the first main pool in the northern Relax zone.

The approximately eight-week project will include installation of the pool’s water filtration system and pouring of the concrete base.

The resort is scheduled to open in 2029 and is expected to attract around two million visitors per year.

It is expected to attract around two million visitors per year (Image: Supplied)

Professor David Russell, CEO of Therme UK, said: "We have taken the opportunity to refine the design, improve how traffic and parking are managed and create a more welcoming environment for everyone arriving at the resort.

"We are creating an even better experience for visitors while supporting more efficient and sustainable operations."

Designed as a blend of water-based attractions, thermal bathing, and nature, the site will offer indoor and outdoor experiences across 680,000 sq ft.

Features will include 10 pools, 18 water slides, 20 saunas and steam rooms, and a 53,000 sq ft wellbeing garden.

The site will offer indoor and outdoor experiences across 680,000 sq ft (Image: Supplied)

A new public plaza will improve connections to the Bridgewater Canal, while design updates have been made to enhance public transport links, including access to the Metrolink.

Recent changes include the removal of two planned multi-storey car parks to improve views across the resort.

Parking will now be spread across the site, with around 1,400 spaces.

A minor Section 73 planning application has been submitted to reflect these adjustments, though the overall scale of the project remains unchanged.

Sir Robert McAlpine has been appointed to deliver the scheme.

The resort will be a place for visitors to "spend time with family and friends, enjoy active experiences or take a break from the pace of everyday life."