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The Medlock, a partnership between Radisson Hotel Group and Manchester City Football Club, has appointed Richard Pearson as its first general manager.
The 401-room hotel, which will be operated by Valor Hospitality, forms part of the Radisson Blu family and is set to open in Manchester City’s “new entertainment destination” in 2026.
Pearson has more than 19 years of experience working across the UK, USA, and Canada with Marriott, IHG and Hilton.
He has overseen new hotel launches, major renovations and complex multi-property clusters within lifestyle, extended-stay, airport and city centre hotels.
He most recently led five hotels on the outskirts of London as a senior general manager with Valor Hospitality, the hotel management company that will also operate The Medlock.
The Medlock is currently under development within Manchester City’s entertainment destination and will offer guests “unrivalled” access to the Etihad Stadium, Co-op Live and multiple dining, retail, and cultural attractions once open. Upon completion, guests will also have access to a museum experience, commercial office space and other amenities in the expanded stadium area.
The hotel will feature a choice of suites, deluxe and standard rooms, in addition to a luxury penthouse suite. For the first time, CGIs of standard rooms and one of the suite options that will be available at The Medlock have also been released.
To capitalise on the high demand for large corporate and MICE facilities in Manchester, the hotel will have access to meeting and events space available at the Etihad Stadium and is easily accessible from the city centre.
Recruitment is already underway for the senior leadership team, with a “unique strategy” to support residents in the local community to take advantage of new job opportunities.
Pearson said: “I’m incredibly proud to lead The Medlock through its pre-opening phase. This project is a celebration of Manchester – its energy, its community, and its global reputation. We’re creating a hotel that’s more than just a place to stay. It’s where the experience begins.
“Whether guests are here for a match at the Etihad Stadium or a concert at Co-op Live, the excitement starts the moment they walk through our doors. It’s a tribute to Manchester’s spirit, where design-led interiors meet warm northern hospitality.”
He added: “We’re designing an experience with broad appeal – elevated design, intuitive service, and a genuine connection to the city’s spirit.
“The day our full team comes together for the first time. The moment we welcome our first guest. Watching The Medlock become part of the fabric of this incredible city; those will be the real milestones.”
The Medlock will join Radisson Blu and Radisson Hotel Group’s portfolio of 1,580 hotels in operation and under development around the world.
