The Medlock, a Radisson Blu Hotel and the centrepiece of the Manchester City co-owned Medlock Square development that will ultimately serve visitors to City’s Etihad Stadium and Campus and the adjacent Co-op Live Arena, has officially opened its doors today, (7th September 2026).
The 401-room hotel, developed in partnership with Radisson Hotel Group and operated by Valor Hospitality Partners, introduces a striking blend of modern British design, culinary distinction, and dynamic hospitality to East Manchester.
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The hotel’s design pays tribute to the area’s industrial heritage, with biophilic elements paying homage to the 19th-century gasworks formerly on the site, local green spaces, and the historic waterways that once defined the site. Abstracted music motifs also run throughout, from fluid rug patterns inspired by retro audio equipment to bathroom tiles reminiscent of recording studio acoustic walls, while bespoke artwork by local artists, Paul Crudgington, a fine art photographer; James Cochrane, a Manchester street photographer framing light, shadow, and human presence since 2016, and Steve Longbottom, a Manchester exhibiting artist exploring how people connect with place along with with tasty Vimto bonbons offer a uniquely local feel.
The crown jewel of the property is the striking two-storey Penthouse Suite featuring two bedrooms, a fully equipped kitchen, generous living and entertaining spaces, floor-to-ceiling city views, a serene private rooftop garden, and views across to Co-op Live as well as the flexibility to add a third bedroom and a private room adjacent to the kitchen for private chef experiences or hosted dining.
Meanwhile Blend, a café by day and wine bar by night anchors Medlock Square into the local community while the Three Rivers Brasserie and Bar is a sophisticated all-day dining experience focused on British produce and warm, polished service.
Richard Pearson, general manager of The Medlock, Radisson Blu Hotel, said: “We’re incredibly proud to officially open the doors to The Medlock, as it takes centre stage as the beginning of the story of Medlock Square. We’ve created a hotel that feels uniquely Manchester, right at the heart of one of the UK’s most exciting destinations. Whether guests are visiting for football, music, business, or to experience the city, we want The Medlock to be more than somewhere to stay – we want it to be the place where every Manchester experience begins with a brilliant welcome.
“I’m incredibly proud of what our team has achieved. They’ve shown real grit to bring The Medlock to life, backed each other every step of the way, and poured their heart and energy into creating something special. This is just the beginning, and we can’t wait to welcome our first guests and share the warmth, spirit, and sense of community that makes The Medlock feel like home. This is a milestone day for the evolution of Manchester as we continue to shape its next go-to destination.”
Joep Peeters, chief operating officer, franchise, EMEA at Radisson Hotel Group, added: “The opening of this flagship hotel represents a defining moment for both Manchester and the team behind it. Whether visitors are here for a football match, a concert, a conference, or just to explore Manchester, both the hotel and its location offer guests an experience unlike anywhere else in the UK. The property reflects the city’s character: welcoming, energetic and proudly authentic, and we are thrilled to welcome it into the Radisson Blu portfolio.”
Positioned moments from the Etihad Campus tram stop and central Manchester, The Medlock also features versatile, natural-light-filled spaces suited for business gatherings, brand launches, and private functions, serving as the new on-campus accommodation partner to enable residential conferencing.
