East Manchester’s £300m Investment in Medlock Square

The transformation of East Manchester is long over-due, an area surrounding one of the largest football stadiums in England that holds so much potential. For some, the walk along the Ashton Canal toward the Etihad is a fortnightly ritual – a sea of blue shirts, a quick pie, and then the long walk back to the city centre.

But that ‘edge of town’ feeling is disappearing. With the official unveiling of Medlock Square, we’re seeing the beginning of Manchester’s next great neighbourhood.

Named as a nod to the River Medlock, this £300m project is a huge expansion for both the Etihad Stadium and the surrounding areas. 

A Rising Neighbourhood

In May 2024, the stadium had new neighbours open up – the Co Op LIVE Arena. Invested in by the likes of Harry Styles and Simon Moran, the arena is the largest in the UK by capacity – hosting 23,500 attendees with 32 bars and the largest floor space of any indoor venue in the city. 

For the first time ever, the BRIT Awards were hosted outside of London in 2026 – at the Co Op LIVE Arena. The night was a huge success and plans are already in place for the venue to host in 2027 too. 

Construction on Etihad’s North Stand began in Autumn 2023, which includes a 400-bed hotel, a ‘fan zone’, new club shop, museum, and 7,000 new seats. The club confirmed in March that the zone, now named ‘Medlock Square’ will open later this year, and bookings at the Radisson Blue Hotel are available from October. 

Why this Matters for Homeowners

This level of investment helps to build and grow a community. It creates a walkability factor that didn’t exist five years ago. When you have world-class dining, bars, and culture within a ten-minute stroll, the value of your front door changes.

We’re seeing a real movement of people wanting quality, modern homes without losing the grit and character that makes Manchester feel like home. This is exactly where the beauty of a project like Brunswick Mill comes into play.

Heritage in a High-Tech World

There’s something special about living in a building that has seen Manchester through its entire history. While Medlock Square is all about the future — glass, steel, and adrenaline, Brunswick Mill is a reminder of where we came from.

Located just half a mile from the new square, this Grade II listed mill is being carefully restored into luxury apartments. It’s for the person who wants to be able to walk to a concert at Co-op Live or have dinner at a signature restaurant in the city centre, but who also wants to come home to high ceilings, original red brickwork, and the quiet weight of history.

It’s the best of both worlds: the pulse of the city’s newest entertainment district and the timeless feel of a canal-side mill. With rental demand in the area climbing and the on-going regeneration likely to drive property values for years to come, it’s a rare chance to catch the wave before it peaks.

Ready to be part of Manchester’s next great chapter? With Medlock Square rising just down the road, there’s never been a better time to secure your spot in this historic corner of the city. Don’t just watch the glow-up from the sidelines, live it.

Explore the luxury apartments at Brunswick Mill and book your viewing today.