Work on the UK’s first city-based waterpark and wellness resort right here in Manchester has finally begun this week.
It’s been a long time coming, especially with plans for the development having been first unveiled all the way back in early March 2020 – but it’s now been confirmed that regeneration business Peel L&P has finished clearing the 28,000 sq m former EventCity conference and exhibition centre at the Trafford City site on Barton Dock Road.
And this means that work to bring the £250 million flagship Therme Manchester development to reality has finally begun.
Dubbed an ‘urban oasis’ and spanning a whopping 28-acres opposite the Trafford Centre and Trafford Palazzo, Therme Manchester – which is being built by global developer and operator, Therme Group – is gearing up to be “a beacon for the North West”.
A wide range of attractions for all ages and budgets form part of the plans.
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Work finally begins on Manchester’s huge new £250m waterpark and wellness resort / Credit: Therme Manchester
Greater Manchester’s first all-season urban beach, and an indoor waterpark with dozens of water slides, thermal pools, spas, and saunas and steam rooms are just some of the attractions in the works.
There’s also plans for an education centre at the resort, which is being designed especially for schools and community groups to learn about nature and sustainability.
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Access to local cycleways and paths is also set to be improved as part of Therme Group’s commitment to creating active connectivity to Manchester and nearby neighbourhoods to encourage the concept of ‘Wellbeing Cities’.
Therme Manchester is gearing up to be “a beacon for the North West” / Credit: Therme Manchester
“We are delighted to see the demolition works complete,” says Richard Land – Chief Development Officer at Therme Group UK.
“It’s fantastic to see the site cleared and showing its amazing potential to be a global wellbeing destination. It defines a key milestone for us as we continue our journey to bring Therme to Manchester, a perfect location for our first facility in the UK.”
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Peel L&P says it’s “proud to help bring such an amazing attraction to the North West” – with Executive Director of Development, James Whittaker, adding: “We know will be enjoyed by so many people across the country whether it’s for a fun family day out, relaxation or educational trips.”
Therme Group is known for its state-of-the-art wellbeing destinations, and has huge success with similar resorts across Europe over the past 20 years.
According to Peel L&P, Therme Manchester’s economic impact is estimated to be worth £4.5 billion to the region, and will include the creation of 1,200 jobs, as well as being forecast to save over one million hospital admission days per year.
There’ll be a strong focus on health, wellbeing, and sustainability once the resort opens.
Featured Image – Therme Manchester
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Ruben Amorim has been sacked by Manchester United
Danny Jones
Ruben Amorim has officially been sacked by Manchester United.
The Portuguese head coach managed more than a year in charge of the Red Devils, but following a bad record overall, not to mention a blockbuster interview over the weekend, they have now parted ways.
Now fully confirmed by the club itself, Amorim’s 14-month stint as Man United boss is over, and an interim manager has already been put in place.
Writing in an official statement, MUFC said: “Ruben Amorim has departed his role as Head Coach of Manchester United.
“Ruben was appointed in November 2024 and led the team to a UEFA Europa League Final in Bilbao in May.
“With Manchester United sitting sixth in the Premier League, the club’s leadership has reluctantly made the decision that it is the right time to make a change. This will give the team the best opportunity of the highest possible Premier League finish.
“The club would like to thank Ruben for his contribution to the club and wishes him well for the future.”
For many supporters, it was abundantly clear that an ultimatum was likely, if not already imminent, after his visibly frustrated post-match press conference following the 1-1 draw against Leeds.
There were already reports of growing friction between Amorim and the director of football, Jason Wilcox, and his bombshell quotes on Sunday, 4 December, only added fuel to the fire.
In case you haven’t seen it, you can see the clip in question down below.
United have also confirmed that former player Darren Fletcher will be leading out the squad (which includes his twin sons, Jack and Tyler) in their next game against Burnley this Wednesday, 7 January.
As for who could be installed next, the recently resigned Enzo Maresca has already been linked with the manager’s position, and plenty are already speculating as to which sidelined/loaned-out players could return to the club following his exit.
Regardless of a wealth of initial backing by the INEOS Sports board members, in the summer transfer window, as well as from the majority of players and countless fans, Amorim exits the club with one of the worst win percentages in their history and just 15 victories to his name in nearly half a century of games.
How would you sum up the 40-year-old’s time at Old Trafford, Reds?
Leigh Leopards star Tesi Niu accused of abuse by partner
Danny Jones
Leigh Leopards star Tesi Niu has been accused of physical and mental abuse by a person purporting to be his partner.
The allegations were made on Niu’s own Instagram, who has seemingly commandeered the account to share claims across social media along with various photos, which are yet to be fully substantiated.
An Australian-born former NRL athlete and Tongan international, Tesi Niu, has gone on to become an important first-team squad member for the Greater Manchester rugby club and has been a popular personality among the supporters.
With that in mind, the alleged abuse is one that has deeply troubled the fan base.
Accusations of alleged physical abuse have been made against Leigh Leopards centre Tesi Niu by his partner.
As you can see in the screenshots originally posted on Niu’s own channel and since reshared online, the individual who names herself as Kiani alleges that the 24-year-old rugby league player assaulted her on Christmas Day 2025 before going out and getting drunk.
In addition to sharing pictures of various bruises around her neck, shoulders and arms, the woman also writes that he took her phone and money to prevent her from leaving, as well as detailing that she is now pregnant with their third child.
Kiana Smith has been his partner for more than half a decade.
Circulating online over the weekend (4-5 January 2026), a full investigation into the claims is now thought to be underway.
Neither Tesi Niu’s representation nor Leigh Leopards have yet come out to comment on the allegations, but the Rugby Football League (RFL) have shared an official update regarding the situation.
You can see the rest of the IG stories down below.
As per a statement supplied to News.com.au, the English governing body said: “The RFL are aware of the social media posts. We will not be making further comment at this time.”
Anyone looking to report abusive behaviour can call the Greater Domestic Abuse Helpline, Monday to Friday from 10am-4pm, on 0800 254 0909.
Emily Sergeant -
6th March 2023 
