Co-op Live Arena, Manchester, UK

The striking Co-op Live arena, in Manchester, UK, encapsulates venue-management company, Oak View Group’s ambition to create a new breed of world-class venue, one that draws together cutting-edge technology, sustainability and multifunctionality.

Developed following extensive consultation with local people, companies, and organisations, the state-of-the-art venue will enable Manchester to host more events, including a broader range of music, sports and entertainment, and support East Manchester’s ongoing regeneration. 

Co-op Live will be the largest-capacity indoor arena in the UK, but also the most sustainable and energy-efficient. Sustainability has been at the heart of the design process and the venue has been specifically designed to support Manchester’s Zero Carbon 2038 commitments. It will incorporate a suite of sustainability features culminating in an inclusive, low carbon, low waste venue, with a target of sending zero operational waste to landfill.

This new venue will redefine the traditional arena model, offering all fans the best possible event experience. Inspired by Manchester’s role as a leading global centre for music, sport and live entertainment, the transformer-like bowl will bring fans closer to the stage than at any comparable venue in Europe, as well as incorporating bespoke standing spaces throughout the venue, rather than only on the floor area. As well as global artists, Co-op Live can also be reconfigured for a range of events and opportunities to support a year-round programme.

Populous’ designs envisage a venue that also provides both a physical and emotional centre for the Eastlands community. Designed in response to the Manchester and Eastlands urban environments, the bold contemporary form complements the public realm and combines aesthetic beauty with a recognisable and identifiable profile that will be globally recognised as being inspired by contemporary Manchester. LEDs integrated into the facade will also create a seamless aesthetic between event and non-event modes, day and night.

This design approach extends to the spaces outside the building. Next to the venue will be a new canal-side space with food and drink offerings available for the public to enjoy even when no event is on. The inclusive hard and soft-landscaped routes to the venue will also help to create an exciting approach experience for audiences and the local community. 

Declan Sharkey, Populous’ Senior Principal and Project Architect said of the project: “This ground-breaking venue will set new benchmarks in sustainable arena design, as well as creating an experience and form that sits perfectly within Manchester’s architectural context and vibrant community.”

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