Co-op Live

Client: Oak View Group

Co-op Live will build on Manchester’s rich cultural heritage to bring a new breed of live entertainment venue to the city. The state-of-the-art 23,500-capacity arena will host a broad range of music, sports and entertainment events and support East Manchester’s ongoing regeneration.

The seating bowl design will place spectators closer to the stage than at any comparable venue in Europe, creating the best possible viewing experience. Also within the venue are an eclectic range of bars, nightclub spaces, and street food-style concessions, creating an authentic hospitality experience that is truly reflective of Manchester’s nightlife culture.

Externally, newly landscaped community spaces will offer food and drink on both event days and non-event days, with a 315m2 “living wall” and extensive planting creating an ecological pocket along the green corridor formed by the Ashton Canal. The venue is connected by walking and cycling routes to the heart of the city.

The project has been pre-assessed using the BREEAM accreditation system and currently scores “Excellent”. The building will be powered entirely by electricity, with no reliance on fossil fuels, and renewable energy purchased from the National Grid will be supplemented by a 7,700m2 photovoltaic array mounted on the venue’s roof.