A multi-million pound vision to build Britain's largest waterpark has been officially abandoned, dashing hopes for a world-class leisure destination in the North West.
The ambitious Therme Manchester project, first announced with great fanfare in 2018, has collapsed after failing to secure the necessary funding and final planning permissions. The £250 million development was set to transform a site at TraffordCity, near the Trafford Centre, into a sprawling aquatic paradise.
A Grand Vision Evaporates
Promoters had sold a dream of a giant, all-weather wellbeing resort. The plans were nothing short of spectacular: vast lagoons, thrilling water slides, a breathtaking indoor white sand beach, and even botanical gardens under a giant glass dome. It was marketed as a year-round, climate-controlled escape for families.
Why Did the Therme Manchester Project Fail?
Despite years of development and a seemingly approved planning application, the project quietly stalled. The crucial final 'sign off' from local authorities never materialised. Reports indicate that amidst rising construction costs and a complex financial landscape, the developers, Therme Group, could not secure the investment needed to break ground.
The global pandemic is also cited as a significant factor, causing major disruptions and shifting economic priorities, which ultimately made the colossal investment untenable.
The Impact of the Cancellation
The cancellation represents a substantial economic blow to the Greater Manchester region. The project was a cornerstone of the TraffordCity expansion and was projected to:
- Create over 1,000 jobs during the construction phase.
- Provide 500 permanent roles once operational.
- Attract millions of visitors annually, boosting local tourism and ancillary businesses.
Its failure to launch leaves a significant void in the UK's leisure landscape and is a disappointment to countless families who had anticipated its arrival.
What's Next for the Site?
The fate of the proposed site, adjacent to the EventCity exhibition centre, is now uncertain. TraffordCity's management has acknowledged the project's termination and stated its focus will shift to exploring alternative, viable developments for the land. The search for a new anchor attraction to drive footfall and economic activity in the area begins anew.
