The Medlock, a 401-room hotel forming part of the Radisson Blu family set to open in Manchester City’s new entertainment destination in 2026, is pleased to announce the appointment of its first General Manager. Backed by a powerful partnership between Manchester City Football Club and Radisson Hotel Group, and operated by Valor Hospitality, The Medlock promises to become one of the city’s most exciting new destinations.
With more than 19 years of experience working across the UK, USA, and Canada with Marriott, IHG and Hilton, Richard Pearson brings a wealth of expertise to the landmark opening. He has overseen everything from new hotel launches and major renovations to complex multi-property clusters within lifestyle, extended-stay, airport and city centre hotels. Richard 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.
Currently under development within Manchester City’s entertainment destination, The Medlock will offer guests unrivalled access to the Etihad Stadium, Co-op Live (the UK’s largest indoor arena), and a host of dining, retail, and cultural attractions.
The Medlock will feature a choice of suites, deluxe and standard rooms, in addition to a luxury penthouse suite. Upon completion, guests will also have access to a museum experience, commercial office space and other amenities in the expanded stadium area. 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 – one of the UK’s most desirable and fastest growing cities for both tourists and businesses – the hotel will have access to meeting and events space available at the Etihad Stadium and is easily accessible from the city centre.
“I’m incredibly proud to lead The Medlock through its pre-opening phase,” said Richard, who will be the hotel’s first General Manager. “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.”
But it’s not just football fans and concertgoers who will feel at home. “We’re designing an experience with broad appeal – elevated design, intuitive service, and a genuine connection to the city’s spirit,” Richard explained.
With a global business and leisure footprint that continues to grow, The Medlock will join Radisson Blu and Radisson Hotel Group’s impressive portfolio of 1,580 hotels in operation and under development in iconic locations around the world.
As part of the hotel’s commitment to community integration, 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. “We want a team that reflects the character of this city; passionate, creative, and full of northern warmth,” Richard added.
Beyond the bricks and mortar, Richard brings a deeply personal passion for the hospitality industry. From humble beginnings washing dishes in a Peak District tearoom, he’s built a career grounded in connection, culture, and resilience. “What makes hospitality extraordinary is its openness,” he said. “This is an industry where passion, people, and potential matter most.”
Looking ahead to 2026, Richard is most excited to see the vision come to life: “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.”
