Manchester’s Co-op Live to become first all-electric arena in UK
Harry Styles has also invested in the game-changing venue
By Jen Thomas
Manchester’s newest venue, Co-op Live, will be the first all-electric arena in the UK.
The new venue is due to open in 2023, but details about the sustainability of the arena have been released today in a bid to tackle climate change.
Developers behind the venue, Oak View Group, said the venue will be a game-changer when it comes to energy consumption.
It will use 50 per cent less energy than other venues of the same size in the UK, and will hold some 23,500 people.
The news comes during the COP26 climate change summit, and planners of the new venue are all too aware of the problems posed by climate change and wanted to make a difference.
Work began on Co-op live just over a year ago, and once complete it will be the largest arena venue in the UK.
Mark Donnelly, COO of OVG International, told IQ that sustainability is at “the core” of the venue.
“Climate change is the single largest problem facing the planet today and we take our responsibility in creating a greener world seriously,” he said.
To cut back on the energy usage for the venue, electricity will be used for everything from air-source heat pumps for heating and domestic hot water, to cooling and catering.
Unlike many venues, there will be no gas supply on-site.
Rooftop solar panels will be used to power their activity, in addition to green electricity from the grid if extra is needed to reach capacity.
They are also predicting a 23 per cent reduction in carbon emissions.
Manchester City Council is currently working towards a net-zero carbon target of 2038, and Co-op Live will be a big help for the project.
The venue is investing in electric-based infrastructure, and local industry will benefit too as they are set to inject £350million of private investment.
A famous face has also been involved in funding the project.
Former One Direction star Harry Styles made an investment in the 23,500-capacity venue.
Styles said: “Manchester is an incredible city, filled with incredible people and I couldn’t be happier being involved in this project. It very much feels like coming home.”
It’s currently being built on the Etihad Campus, which is also the home of of Manchester City FC’s Etihad Stadium.
In keeping with sustainability, Coldplay also shared details of their 2022 world stadium tour and confirmed they would be making efforts to reduce the impact of their shows.