From improved airport terminals to a generational redevelopment project, things are set to change in the city.
Manchester is constantly evolving, with ambitious regeneration projects and major new additions set to shape the city’s future. From striking changes to the skyline to brand-new neighbourhoods, wellness resorts and transport upgrades, here are 10 of the most exciting projects that will redefine the city as we know it.
A huge wellness resort with 18 pools
Credit: Therme Manchester
It’s been in the pipeline for years now, but work has finally begun on Therme Manchester. The sprawling wellness resort is set to open on the former EventCity site next to the Trafford Centre, delivering a next-generation water park, thermal pools and spa facilities within tropical surroundings.
Split into three key zones, visitors will be able to personalise their experience, using state-of-the-art on demand lockers and RFID wristbands. It’s all super-sustainable too, leveraging renewable energy sources to ensure zero carbon emissions. Expected to open in 2027, we’re already planning our visit!
The new & improved Terminal 2
Credit: Manchester Airport Group
The next stage of Manchester Airport’s £1.3 billion Terminal 2 regeneration will see the existing terminal given a huge makeover to bring it into line with the extension which opened in 2021. The departure lounge will double in size, while a premium boutique mall will provide high-end shopping experiences.
Passengers can expect 22 new shops, bars and restaurants, including Rituals and LEGO’s Store of the Future, alongside a Wetherspoons sports bar and a Grindsmith coffee shop. But the most exciting part has to be the Great Northern Market – a 472-seat food hall featuring seven exciting vendors.
The North of England’s biggest urban regeneration project
© Copyright Adriette Myburgh
The Victoria North project will see a 155-hectare site around Rochdale Road transformed as part of the biggest urban regeneration the North of England has ever seen. Developed and funded by Manchester City Council and the Far East Consortium, the project will create 15,000 new homes and seven brand new neighbourhoods.
A key feature of the regeneration is the City River Park – a 46-hectare expanse of new and improved parkland, which will become one of Manchester’s largest city centre green spaces. The Park will be designed in line with climate-positive guidelines to be as carbon-neutral as possible.
The regeneration of Old Trafford
Credit: Joe Yong
Speaking of vast regeneration projects, the Old Trafford regeneration will see the area around Manchester United’s stadium transformed into a vibrant mixed-use district featuring apartment complexes, shopping centres and upgraded public transport links.
Six key areas have been earmarked for growth, and according to Mayor Andy Burnham, the initiative could contribute £13 billion annually to the UK economy. But one huge question remains – will they refurbish the current stadium or build a new 100,000 seater home? A decision is expected to be made by the end of the 2024/25 football season.
A big expansion of the Etihad Stadium
Credit: MCFC
United’s noisy neighbours are also getting a makeover, with the Etihad Stadium’s North Stand expansion set to open during the 2025/26 season. The expanded stand will increase the stadium’s capacity to more than 60,000 – an increase of almost 10,000.
The stand will feature a range of seating options, including a minimum of 3,000 rail seats. It’s suggested that the noise created by the expanded North Stand will complement the wider stadium, with safe-standing sections at either end of the pitch helping to create an electric atmosphere.
MediaCity doubling in size
Credit: MediaCity
The Salford Quays regeneration has been one of Manchester’s most successful projects of the last few decades, and the next stage of the area’s development is expected to see it double in size. With Salford City Council consulting current residents and businesses to shape the proposed plans, it’s designed to be a vision that works for everyone.
Led by Landsec, the Salford Quays 2030 project includes plans for thousands more homes, a vibrant town centre and a redesigned waterfront area, set to feature a lido, all-weather glass-fronted structures and pavilions. With pedestrians prioritised over traffic, the area promises to be a peaceful place to live, work and visit.
A new hospital for North Manchester
Credit: MFT
North Manchester General Hospital is getting a full rebuild as part of Phase 1 of the New Hospital Programme, with work expected to begin as early as 2027/28. The project will also see the creation of high-quality new homes, commercial space and a village green.
As for the hospital itself, it will provide modern, best-in-class healthcare facilities to the people of North Manchester. With over 70% of the current hospital in desperate need of rebuilding, the project is a huge positive to all the patients who rely on the hospital and some 2,000 employees, many of whom live in the nearby Crumpsall area.
The next chapter of John Rylands Library
Credit: Donald Insall Associates
John Rylands is one of Manchester’s most striking buildings, and the historic library is currently undergoing a £7.6 million refurbishment. The redevelopment will enhance the library’s role in research, student experience and public engagement, aligning with the library’s Imagine2030 vision.
The project will introduce a modern exhibition space, advanced imaging lab, flexible event area and a refreshed entrance while utilising a single design language that speaks to the building’s evolution through the 1890s, 1920s, 1960s and 2000s. The library will remain open throughout the project, with work expected to be complete in spring 2025.
A state-of-the-art ice arena
TraffordCity is set to welcome one of the UK’s biggest ice skating and entertainment arenas after a deal was struck between developer Peel Waters and property company ICITIES. With a formal planning application expected to be submitted by summer, the huge arena will be operated by Planet Ice.
The arena is expected to include a speed skating track and seating for several thousand spectators, allowing it to host elite-level ice hockey and other winter sports. The state-of-the-art facility is a huge boost to the local area and will be a welcome addition for Olympic hopefuls.
The improvement of Oxford Road Station
Credit: Network Rail
A huge redevelopment of Oxford Road Station could see the station shut for two years, but the benefits to the city’s rail network would be huge. The project is currently in the consultation stage, but if approved, would include the creation of longer platforms, a new footbridge and new passenger lifts.
The remodelling would mean that each of the station’s three platforms could accommodate longer trains, helping ease congestion, increase capacity and improve reliability. As well as the creation of over 900m of new track, overhead line equipment will also be upgraded.
