Following approval to build a £250mn wellbeing resort in Manchester, Therme Group has

revealed plans to develop and expand its concept in other major UK cities.

“Our aim is to ensure that a Therme Group wellbeing resort is within easy reach of 90 per cent of the UK population,” commented Therme UK COO, James Mark.

The development plan includes projects – with a similar concept to Therme Manchester – in London, Wales, and Scotland, all of which will be developed at sites located near to city centres.

The rollout will create over 3,000 new direct jobs and represents a major investment in the health and wellbeing of the population.

Work begins on the 28-acre Manchester resort next year, which is scheduled for completion in 2023. The £250m (US$308.6m, €274.4m) waterpark and spa project will combine hundreds of water-based activities with fitness, wellbeing treatments, art, nature and technology to create a unique destination.

Therme describes its concept as a combination of nature, sustainable technology and culture, and says it has already been ‘phenomenally successful’ in Europe for over 20 years. It’s most recent opening in Bucharest welcomes 1.3mn visitors annually.

Mark continued: “Our concept of creating indoor biodiverse ecosystems that combine pure waters and natural environments will fundamentally improve the way we’ll live in the future.”

According to the company, the UK is now a key focus for the business’ international development programme.

The thermal destinations are designed to offer a fun and relaxing experience that also focuses on mental and physical health, including tackling the growing issue of obesity by providing visitors with physical and mental health benefits to support preventative healthcare in communities.

Guests can experience thermal bathing traditions from around the world, fun and healthy activities for all ages and affordable wellbeing therapies in a biodiverse natural environment.

“Our resorts provide a vital piece of social infrastructure in our cities, creating relaxing and fun places to meet whilst also nurturing mental and physical health,” said Mark.

Therme Group is aiming to contribute to the health and wellbeing of the populations it serves, an issue that has received increased focus and urgency in 2020.

The organisation believes that wellbeing should be accessible to all, and the scale of the resorts allows entry prices to be set at a level that is socially inclusive.The group plans to work with central and local government bodies, investors and stakeholders to deliver the UK development plan, with the goal of improving health, wellbeing and quality of life for the general public, in a way that is affordable and accessible to all.

With the first UK city-based resort starting construction next year, the company is engaging with private and public sector partners in the UK. There are also plans in development for Asia, Europe and North America.

Therme Group has announced it’s at an advanced stage of discussion with local authorities and stakeholders in several locations in Wales, Scotland and London.

“We will be locating our resorts within large population centres,” said Mark, “now more than ever, people living in cities need opportunities to have relaxing and affordable wellbeing experiences close to home.”