A fair few areas are being redeveloped and improved around Manchester, and now we’re a bit clearer on one set to be completed later this year. It was announced today (March 4) that the new £300m entertainment destination opening at the Etihad Campus in East Manchester will be known as Medlock Square.
Medlock Square marks a significant new chapter in the continued evolution of the Etihad Campus area, establishing a vibrant, year-round hub for culture, leisure and entertainment alongside the iconic Etihad Stadium, home of Manchester City Football Club, and the UK’s flagship live entertainment arena, Co-op Live.
What to expect at Medlock Square
Sport, music & entertainment hub
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. Manchester is also globally synonymous with world-class sport, music and entertainment, and Medlock Square will build on that heritage, creating a new home for exceptional shared experiences and further enhancing Manchester’s position as one of Europe’s most dynamic and fast-growing destinations.
Food & drink
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, the mix will provide a high-quality hospitality offer throughout the week and across the event calendar.
Las Vegas-style attractions
Visitor attractions will include an adrenaline-fuelled sky walk experience, offering a unique perspective across Manchester’s ever-evolving skyline, alongside zip-wire and abseiling activities — enabling visitors to pair high-energy adventure with the wider food, leisure and entertainment offer at Medlock Square.
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 newly opened 401-room Medlock Hotel will form an integral part of Medlock Square, providing high-quality accommodation for visitors from across the UK and internationally.
A new kind of workspace
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, uniquely positioned within Manchester’s most exciting new destination.
Etihad Stadium North Stand expansion
A central 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.
More details about Medlock Square will be announced in the coming weeks ahead of opening later this year.