Manchester’s highly-anticipated Co-op Live is currently under construction next to the Etihad Stadium and has now revealed the first images of the venue’s interior. The £365m arena is on track to be completed to host its first events in April next year and when it opens it will be the UK’s largest and most sustainable live entertainment venue.
Co-op Live reached a major milestone in its development this week with a ceremony to celebrate the venue’s ‘topping out’, the final stage of the roof construction being completed, and sharing images of the progress. Attendees were invited to sign the final acoustically treated roof cassette, lifted into place to top out the structure, with their signatures becoming part of the permanent structure.
Originally set to open in December 2023, the Co-op Live arena is currently under construction, with work being carried out by BAM Construct UK and is a joint venture between Oak View Group (OVG) and City Football Group, alongside Harry Styles who has privately invested in the development.
The Co-op Live arena will boast the largest floor space of any indoor venue, a significantly lower ceiling and tiered seating that brings fans closer to the artist. Unlike venues designed primarily for sporting tournaments or public exhibitions, the 23,500-capacity venue is the first of its kind to be built around concert acoustics.
Tim Leiweke, Oak View Group CEO says: “In the last decade, Manchester has slipped from a top three global concert market, and is now no longer even in the top ten. That is not a reflection of the music or audiences of Manchester, which are stronger than ever. It is a reflection on investment in cultural infrastructure. Co-op Live will put Manchester back where it deserves to be, as a global entertainment powerhouse.”
Gary Roden, Co-op Live Executive Director and General Manager, added: “I have no doubt this venue is going to be one of the world’s best live entertainment experiences, and we can’t wait to announce the iconic artists who will play our stage very soon.”
Co-op Live is committed to sustainability with a strong focus on all-green electric power, zero waste to landfill, and 100% rainwater collection. By aligning with the values of its naming rights partner Co-op, Co-op Live will donate at least £1m a year to help the Co-op Foundation deliver on its new youth-led strategy and Co-op’s vision of ‘Co-operating for a fairer world’. This collective effort will be known as ‘Gigs that Give Back’ emphasising the venue and partnership’s commitment to making a positive impact.
Co-op Live will be located on the Etihad Campus and will open its doors in April 2024. Artist announcements across opening season are expected to follow shortly.