Co-op Live: more spectacular images of what Manchester’s new music arena will look like including main stage

More images of Manchester’s state-of-the-art new music venue which is currently under construction have been released, showing how the interior of the building will look.

The latest pictures show the ‘smart bowl’ design for the 23,500-capacity Co-op Live arena which is taking shape at the moment on Manchester City’s Etihad Campus. The building is set to open in December 2023.

Co-op Live says the interior and main stage has been designed with input from musical legend Bruce Springsteen and pop star Harry Styles, the latter of whom is also a key investor in the venue.

Developers behind the ambitious multi-million-pound project say this is the first arena in the UK to be built entirely with music in mind, and while it will host some other things such as sports events it has not been created specifically as somewhere that is shared-use.

What do the latest images for Co-op Live show?

The latest images released by the team behind the Co-op Live project showcase the ‘smart bowl’ design which has taken shape following conversations with some of the biggest names in pop music. The bowl has been designed with an intimate atmosphere in mind and will be free of corporate branding, which the developers hope will ensure both the fan and artist can fully immerse themselves in the show.

The latest news about the venue also includes how the suites lining the edges of level two will also use soundproof black curtains to maximise the impact of the shows sound and lighting. Tiered seating will bring people closer to the actions, the developers say, while the whole place has been designed around optimising concert acoustics.

The team says Co-op Live will also have the largest floor space of any UK indoor venue and will have a ceiling lower than large arenas generally do.

The project is a joint venture between Oak View Group (OVG) and City Football Group alongside private investor Harry Styles who has been instrumental in the design, offering personal insight from his experiences of visiting major venues and arenas worldwide.

It will have 330 tonnes of rigging capacity and eight loading bays, while in addition to seeing their favourite artists music fans will also be able to enjoy 32 bars, restaurants and lounges, including locally sourced and sustainable food and drink offerings.

What has been said about the venue?

President of OVG International, Jessica Koravos, said: “Co-op Live is about the fan and the artist, it is specially designed to deliver the best sound, atmosphere and experience for everyone who walks through our doors. Innovative technology and design will bring a unique live entertainment experience to the UK.”

When asked about his involvement back in 2020, Harry Styles said: “I am incredibly happy to be partnering with OVG on their plans for Co-op Live. Manchester is an incredible city filled with incredible people and I couldn’t be happier to be involved in this project. It very much feels like coming home.”