The Medlock Hotel opens in heart of new East Manchester entertainment hub

The Medlock, a Radisson Blu Hotel, has officially opened its doors within East Manchester’s expanding entertainment hub, Medlock Square.

Set alongside the Etihad Stadium and Co-op Live, the design of the 401-room hotel pays homage to the 19th-century gasworks, local green spaces, and historic waterways that once defined the site.

Upon entering, guests are greeted by an overhead digital reflective feature with dynamic lighting that syncs with match days and event nights at the nearby stadium and arena, digital check-on pods, low-lounge banquettes and a statement staircase.

The hotel’s guest rooms, including family-friendly layouts with rates starting from £120, are designed as ‘serene escapes’. The interior aesthetic features soft tones, warm timber, tactile upholstery, ambient joinery lighting, and exposed wardrobe frames. Abstracted music motifs run throughout, from fluid rug patterns inspired by retro audio equipment to bathroom tiles reminiscent of recording studio acoustic walls.

All accommodations include GRIND coffee machines and pods, 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, with a playful local touch with tasty Vimto bonbons. Yoga mats are provided in deluxe rooms, and all rooms feature signature Medlock mattresses created in partnership with Silentnight.

The crown jewel of the property is the striking two-storey Penthouse Suite. Designed for high-profile stays, private dinners, and VIP celebrations, the expansive suite features 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.  The suite offers the flexibility to add a third bedroom, while a private room adjacent to the kitchen provides an intimate space for a private chef experience or hosted dining.

A 24-hour Technogym fitness centre is filled with cutting-edge equipment and virtual personal training options. Deluxe rooms and suites also feature virtual in-room trainers.

Elsewhere, the hotel offers two distinct culinary concepts:

• Blend: A café by day and a curated wine bar by night.
• Three Rivers Brasserie and Bar: Set within the new Medlock hotel, Three Rivers is a sophisticated all-day dining experience focused on British produce and warm, polished service. Brasserie classics include prawn cocktail with shredded iceberg and confit tomato and a comprehensive steak selection.

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.”