Go-ahead for new Co-op Live event space

Article posted by Coliseum, August 18^th, 2025

Image: Co-op Live

Co-op Live’s plans for a new canalside development on the south terrace immediately adjacent to the venue have been approved by Manchester City Council.

Co-op Live said the development aims to offer both visitors and the community a space to socialise and to work, while supporting the ongoing expansion of the Etihad Campus to further improve the city’s key visitor destination.

Builders have already started to construct a two-storey hospitality terrace by the Ashton Canal where guests can enjoy more eateries, bars, and shops.

The 23,500-capacity Co-op Live is an indoor arena in Manchester, England, United Kingdom sited in the Etihad Campus next to the 53,400-capacity City of Manchester Stadium.

It opened on May 14^th, 2024. The venue has 32 bars, restaurants and lounges and has the largest floor space of any indoor venue in the city.

Designed in line with the Co-op Live exterior, the space will house a café, bar and kitchen alongside a merchandise store.

With the ability to host around 600 people, the development can also be used as a second standalone event space.

Dedicated to further improving East Manchester and the Etihad Campus, Co-op Live’s proposal includes daily access to the café and bar for residents and visitors, community and private hire use, as well as pre-event access for ticket holders.

In keeping with the venue’s commitment to accessibility, dedicated toilets, accessible and baby change areas, and an accessible lift have all been included within the plans.

A sustainable refurbishment specialist has been appointed to design the new canalside development.

Better Green Living is leading all aspects of project management, contractor coordination, and on-site execution.

Breaking from traditional construction methods, the canalside development is a 100% new build using repurposed shipping containers.

Every material is sourced for recyclability and environmental provenance, ensuring the structure can be repurposed at the end of its minimum ten-year operational lifespan.

The project will mimic the aesthetic of Co-op Live, featuring a mesh-clad façade and multi-level arrangement, blending with the arena’s industrial-chic architecture.

Edward Parsons, co-founder and managing director at Better Green Living, said, “Our ethos focuses on creating innovative spaces that prioritise sustainability without compromising on experience.

“Designing a venue for Co-op Live is an exciting opportunity to showcase how environmentally conscious construction can go hand-in-hand with exceptional design.

“As the commercial sector embraces more sustainable ways to build, this project proves that creative solutions can successfully balance function, aesthetics and sustainability while shaping the future of temporary venue spaces.”

Continue to follow Coliseum for latest updates on venues business news. Coliseum is dedicated towards building the best global community of sports and entertainment venue executives and professionals creating better and more profitable venues.

Become a member of the only Global Sports Venue Alliance and connect with stadiums, arenas and experts from around the world. Apply for membership at coliseum-online.com/alliance and make use of the 365Coliseum Business.

Watch 500+ member-exclusive videos with valuable tips for your venue