The opening of the Co-op Live arena in Manchester has been beset by issues, with workers involved in the project speaking anonymously to highlight the chaotic events leading up to the venue’s launch. Staff have been left in tears after American rapper A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie’s gig was called off at the last minute due to safety concerns. Naming rights partner Co-op Group has also raised concerns over potential reputational damage to its brand. Construction staff reportedly warned in February that the £365m venue’s works were up to 35 weeks behind schedule.
The troubled project was led by American businessman Tim Leiweke, who had heralded Co-op Live as a world-class arena that Manchester deserved. However, several high-profile acts, including Take That and Olivia Rodrigo, have had shows cancelled or postponed at the last minute, frustrating performers, staff, and ticket holders. Leiweke has apologised, and the venue’s spokesperson stated that the events had been paused to ensure the safety and security of all involved.
One staff member hired as a premium host in the venue’s VIP rooms revealed that there were still unfinished areas in the building, resulting in a sense of scepticism among workers. Cardboard boxes filled the VIP rooms, while some stairways seemed incomplete, with wires and exposed lighting on the floor. Another staff member has stated that many public-facing areas of the venue were complete, but the offices on the top floor and some premium spaces remain unfinished.
The Co-op Group has sponsored the arena for an alleged £100m but does not own or run it, leading to concerns over brand damage due to ongoing delays. An internal document concerning the risks associated with Co-op Live warned of “critical” and “red”-flagged risks of “widespread, sustained brand damage affecting the Co-op’s future viability” and the potential for many customers to “stop doing business with us.” BAM Construction, the project’s construction firm, declined to comment
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