Projects

Delivering a landmark entertainment venue, Co-op Live

Co-op Live is the UK’s largest indoor entertainment venue. Featuring cutting-edge LED screen technology and more than 30 restaurants, lounges and bars, it offers an immersive and world-class experience for music lovers.

Key information

Client Oak View Group

Location United Kingdom

Project type Real estate

Services Cost and commercial management, Project management

Project timeline 2019 - 2024

External Venue (Shot by Nick Flynn) of co op live in Manchester, England

Image courtesy: Nick Flynn

Contact

Daniel Howarth

Project Director

07931 258 058

Optimising large-scale venue delivery

Located on Manchester’s Etihad Campus, Co-op Live is a destination for live entertainment. Spanning over 58,000 square metres, it’s designed for maximum flexibility to accommodate a wide variety of events. The venue has a maximum capacity of 23,500, including the largest standing capacity of any similar UK venue when lower-tier seating is removed.

The arena delivers a world-class experience for music fans, combining the latest venue automation technology and exceptional acoustics. It also features a pioneering bowl design to ensure an incredible experience for every guest.

Since opening, Co-op Live has welcomed performers like Paul McCartney and is set to host major industry events, such as the upcoming BRIT and MOBO Awards.

Project story

Building the future of entertainment

Our people played a central role in the delivery of Co-op Live, with teams fully integrated on-site to provide integral strategic commercial and project management support throughout the project.

We provided our capabilities in cost and commercial management and project management and served as principal designer for the arena.

Throughout the project lifecycle, our team offered early-stage feasibility and procurement advice. We delivered clear progress reporting on construction costs, coordinating multiple stakeholders and leading discussions with local authorities.

We also introduced supply chain partners to strengthen commercial outcomes and we produced custom reports to meet Oak View Group’s specific requirements. Our coordination between the arena and the neighbouring Etihad Stadium minimised risks to the overall cost and schedule and our use of local subcontractors helped reduce environmental impacts.

Boosting local prosperity

Co-op Live supports Manchester City Council’s goal to achieve net-zero carbon by 2038 and sustainability was central to the arena’s design and operation.

The venue includes smart building controls, LED lighting, rainwater harvesting and water-efficient catering and toilet facilities. The sub-contractors were also locally procured to reduce environmental impact.

Co-op Live will deliver a transformative economic boost to the region. Since inception, it has contributed over £1.3bn to the UK economy. It has also brought over £313m in additional visitor spend across Manchester.

The arena’s development has already made a substantial impact on employment, generating over 3,000 construction jobs during its two-year build phase. Since opening in May 2024, it has continued to drive employment, creating 150 full-time jobs and an additional 2,000 part-time roles.

Beyond its economic contribution, Co-op Live is committed to long-term community investment. Through the Co-op Foundation, the venue has committed to donating at least £1m annually to initiatives that support youth engagement and enhance community wellbeing.