A new £300m entertainment destination opening in East Manchester, going by the name Medlock Square, will open later this year.
Medlock Square marks the latest chapter in the development of the Etihad Campus area, becoming a year-round hub for culture, leisure and entertainment next door to the Etihad Stadium and Co-op Live.
The name is derived from the River Medlock, which runs beneath the site, recognising the area’s industrial heritage and the importance of Manchester’s waterways to the city’s history.
At the heart of the development will be a diverse food and beverage offering, providing speciality coffee and all-day dining through to signature restaurants and ‘exclusive dining experiences’. Designed to serve both everyday visitors and major event audiences, boses say the mix will provide a high-quality hospitality offering throughout the week and across the event calendar.
Elsewhere, visitor attractions will include a skywalk experience, zip-wire and abseiling activities. These experiences will be complemented by a programme of immersive seasonal events and outdoor activations hosted within a 3,000-capacity covered activation space, creating a flexible environment capable of delivering year-round experiences at scale. The new 401-room Medlock Hotel – a Radisson Blu hotel, which began taking bookings last month – will also form an integral part of Medlock Square, providing high-quality accommodation.
A new three-storey office building, One Medlock Square, will also form part of the development. Designed to accommodate up to 300 employees, the state-of-the-art workspace will offer high-quality, modern office facilities alongside access to shared event spaces and wellness amenities.
Another element of the wider development is Manchester City’s North Stand expansion at the Etihad Stadium. This will deliver an enhanced matchday proposition, increased stadium capacity and new hospitality spaces, alongside a new immersive museum and City Store.
- Words:
- Bradley Lengden
- Published on:
- Wed 4 Mar 2026
