It was first teased back in February – but the green light has finally be given for the brand-new £60 million outdoor surf centre in Trafford.
The approved plans for Modern Surf Manchester – based on Barton Dock Road in TraffordCity – primarily include a leisure complex that’s set to house the region’s first surf lagoon, giving beginners, learners, and even professionals the chance to test their surf skills in a fun, safe, and natural-looking environment.
The lagoon will be powered by Wavegarden – a company specialising in man-made wave technology that promises “perfect, ocean-like waves” of up to 8ft.
That’s not all either, as the approved plans also show the complex boasting several other interactive attractions for visitors to have a crack at, including a pump track and fitness zone, half-pipe skateboarding area, bouldering and balancing zones.
A number of on-site bar and restaurant facilities are also planned.
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The approved plans also show the complex boasting several other interactive attractions for visitors / Credit: Modern Surf
“We’re delighted that Trafford Council has approved our proposals for Modern Surf and are very grateful to residents for the extraordinary level of support we have received,” said Billy McKinney – Managing Director of McKinney Group.
“Modern Surf will complement the already excellent leisure-based activities in TraffordCity and help to inspire the next generation of surfers and athletes [and] we hope to create 100 FTE jobs when operational, as well as supporting many more during the construction phase.
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“Look out for more updates over the coming months.”
The lagoon will have man-made wave technology that promises “perfect, ocean-like waves” of up to 8ft / Credit: Wavegarden
The site in TraffordCity will be owned and managed by Peel L&P, and complemented the new £250 million Therme Manchester wellness resort already been approved nearby, which will feature indoor pools and warm water lagoons, a wave pool, slides, swim-up bars, botanical gardens and spa facilities.
James Whittaker – Executive Development Director at Peel L&P – added: “We are thrilled to hear that planning permission has been granted for Modern Surf which will bring something unique to the already strong leisure offering.
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“Our vision is to be the UK’s number one destination for the retail, leisure, and business in a sustainable environment where over the last 25 years we have created over 17,500 jobs and invested over £1.6 billion.
“Alongside Therme Manchester, Modern Surf will be another fantastic leisure attraction to TraffordCity that will complement all the surrounding businesses.”
Modern Surf Manchester is expected to open by 2023.
Featured Image – Modern Surf
Things To Do
A free snooker fan zone has popped up in Manchester for the 2026 Tour Championship
Danny Jones
We’re sure plenty of you are well aware that this year’s WST Sportsbet.io Tour Championship is happening in Manchester right now, but what many of you may not know is that a completely free snooker fan zone has opened up as part of it.
You don’t need a ticket for any of the actual matches to watch them on the big screen or even play one of your own.
However, it isn’t just the buzz inside the match room itself that the World Snooker Tour has brought on its return to the city centre – even the supporter hub outside is well worth a visit.
Based over at Manchester Central on the Exchange side of the building, while the games themselves are taking place in the main rooms, the foyer and surrounding areas have been turned into a fan park.
Perfect for anyone looking for a fun way to spend an afternoon or, indeed, a full day this week – not to mention an ideal activity for kids this coming Easter bank holiday weekend – if you’re a fan of the sport, you’d be a fool not to at least pop your head in.
Running until this Sunday, 5 April, when the tournament itself finishes, snooker lovers have access not only to a bar area with multiple big screens and food and drink, but also numerous free tables for them to play on.
In fact, you quickly turn a few frames into some proper practice if you’re so inclined, as there’s even on-site coaching to be made the most of.
As you can see, people of all ages have already turned up in their droves to soak up the atmosphere.
Once again, the competition is being broadcast live and free-to-air on Channel 5 if you’re happy to watch the games at home, but we don’t need to tell you what makes sitting in a room with a bunch of fellow fans and getting excited together so enjoyable.
If you visit the Manchester Central convention centre before the end of the week, you can even have a go at playing on a proper king-sized snooker table for the full pro-feel experience.
For anyone who wants to grab actual tickets for the matches as well, you can find them HERE.
Manchester Day set to bring sunny Catalan celebrations to the city centre this summer
Emily Sergeant
Manchester Day is making a grand return for 2026 this summer, and you can expect a day filled with loads of Catalan-themed fun.
Oh, and it’s free fun at that… doesn’t get much better.
The date and theme for Manchester‘s biggest day of the year has now been confirmed – with the city going all in to make this summer’s event one of the very-best yet.
Switching for the first time to a Sunday this year instead of its usual Saturday, Manchester City Council is promising a ‘distinctly Catalan flavour’ to this year’s Manchester Day, as performers from Barcelona head to Manchester to join in the festivities in what is a first for the event.
This year’s Catalan theme has been chosen following Manchester’s guest city role during Barcelona’s iconic La Mercè festival in September last year, where our local artists were invited to take part.
Manchester Day is set to bring sunny Catalan celebrations to the city centre this summer / Credit: Manchester City Council
As always, outdoor arts organisation Walk the Plank will be working with groups across the city in the run-up to Manchester Day this year to create what is set to be the main event of the day – a spectacular parade filled with music, dance, colour, community, and, of course, Catalan vibes.
The parade will also have a bit of a ‘bookish’ theme to it this year too, taking inspiration from the current year-long national celebration of books and reading.
With music, dance, and a whole host of performances and walkabout shows from some of the UK and Spain’s leading outdoor arts companies, Manchester Day 2026 will see the city’s streets and squares filled with Catalan spirit, along with some surprising links to books and reading along the way.
The date and theme for Manchester’s biggest day of the year has now been confirmed / Credit: Manchester City Council
“We could literally write a book on how fantastic our brilliant city is and how utterly awesome and amazing Mancunians are, and we invite everyone to join us in July as we celebrate Manchester’s favourite day of the year,” commented Councillor Pat Karney, who is the Chair of Manchester Day, as the theme was announced this week.
“Everyone knows we never do things by halves in Manchester, and with our friends from Barcelona also joining us for this year’s festivities, it’s going to be Manchester Barcelona Day all the way.
“We can’t wait to welcome everyone down as we go all in to make sure 2026 is THE best Manchester Day ever.”
Manchester Day is taking over the city centre on Sunday 26 July, and more details on timings and activities during the day will be announced in the coming weeks.
Emily Sergeant -
24th September 2021 
