European wellbeing group Therme has named Glasgow as the location for its second UK resort based on the "grand thermal bathing traditions".

Therme has agreed heads of terms on a waterfront site in central Glasgow next to the Riverside Museum, at the intersection of the Kelvin and Clyde rivers. The Austrian-headquartered group is aiming to submit a planning application for Therme Scotland in 2022.

The project is expected to be approximately 320,000sq ft in size and to cost around £100 million to build. It will include a next-generation indoor water park, extensive thermal pools and spa, and a health and wellbeing centre.

Additional elements of the project include a vertical farm to make locally-grown fresh produce available to the millions of guests that are expected to visit each year. This is being developed in conjunction with Edinburgh-based vertical farming specialist Intelligent Growth Solutions (IGS).

Therme links sustainability and wellbeing, working to enhance urban environments and deliver long-term population health benefits. In addition to the vertical farm, the group is looking at how it can introduce renewable heat sources at Therme Scotland.

Plans further include a bridge across the River Kelvin providing a link to the Riverside Museum and expanding access to the Glasgow waterfront. A second bridge will be built by Glasgow City Council over the River Clyde, between Govan and Partick, which will enable access for all communities.

Glasgow will be the group's second wellbeing destination in the UK after Therme Manchester. Therme has been operating city-based wellbeing resorts in Europe for more than 20 years, and is rolling out a global development programme with active projects in cities around the world, including Toronto and Frankfurt.

The group said it will work with local stakeholders to create schemes for people with health challenges and from all backgrounds to access Therme Scotland at reduced rates. Located between the University of Glasgow, Queen Elizabeth University Hospital and the city centre, Therme Scotland will partner with academic experts on multi-disciplinary research to maximise the health and wellbeing benefits delivered to the community.

Glasgow Times:

Therme senior vice president Stelian Iacob said: “The primary purpose of Therme projects is to benefit the communities they serve. This is achieved both as a direct result of the Therme experience and by acting as a catalyst for wider activities around biodiversity, cultural inclusion, urban greening and more.

"Therme projects are also key drivers of post-Covid economic, social and environmental recovery. Therme Scotland will create a fun and accessible experience with profound health and wellbeing benefits for all. We look forward to engaging with the Glasgow community as we progress with the design and development of Therme Scotland”.

James Whittaker, executive director of development at Peel L&P, said the developer is "excited" about the project.

"This significant health and wellbeing destination will be a unique and sustainable addition to Glasgow Waters, Peel L&P’s major waterfront regeneration project," he said. "This important facility on the Clydeside, adjacent to Peel L&P’s existing and proposed developments, will benefit the whole region as well as attracting visitors from further afield to come and enjoy Glasgow.

"Peel L&P’s vision for Glasgow Waters is to develop the waterfront as a key retail, leisure and tourism destination on the Clyde, which will complement, support and revive the surrounding area. Therme Scotland will be an exciting visitor attraction and bring investment into the area.”