A developer's bid to demolish two structures either side of the Trafford Centre ahead of a significant transformation of the area was approved.
Peel L&P submitted two applications to Trafford Council in relation to EventCity on Phoenix Way and the Soccer Dome on Trafford Way last month, both of which were approved on October 6.
The plan for EventCity is to replace it with Therme Manchester, a 28-acre resort including a water park and a wellness spa which is set to attract up to two million visitors a year and create some 1,200 jobs, according to Peel L&P's partner Therme Group.
An application for planning permission for the resort was approved in 2020, but it is now set to be resubmitted after the partnership used the pause of the pandemic to add elements and improve sustainability. The aim is now to start construction next year.
James Whittaker, Peel L&P’s executive director of development, said: "Therme Manchester is an attraction like no other and it is incredibly exciting to be making preparations to bring the UK’s first resort of this kind to TraffordCity for people of all ages.
“It will attract visitors and investment from across the globe to TraffordCity and the wider city region and we are proud to be the host venue for such an exceptional development with a strong focus on sustainability, health and wellbeing."
Richard Land, Therme Group's chief development officer, added: "We are delighted to have reached this critical stage with Peel L&P, which marks the beginning of on-site works for Therme Manchester.
"An iconic project for the city as well as for the entire UK, this milestone confirms the arrival of Therme in the North. It also solidifies our vision for 90 per cent of the UK to be within easy reach of a Therme destination, with future developments planned for Glasgow, London and other cities."
Meanwhile, the plan for the Soccer Dome is not so clear, although pitch provision is retained thanks to a partnership with Fives Trafford.
An application for planning permission for eight all-weather pitches was approved in 2020, with the work completed during the summer.
Now approved, the demolition work is expected to start almost immediately.
This article was written by Jack Tooth. Jack is the reporter for The Messenger and covers anything and everything from within the Metropolitan Borough of Trafford.
To contact him, email jack.tooth@newsquest.co.uk or follow @JTRTooth on Twitter.
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