How Co-op Live Is Rewriting the Rulebook for Live Music Arenas

Since opening, Co-op Live has quickly distinguished itself as much more than another arena. As the UK’s first purpose-built, music-first venue — and its largest, with a capacity of 23,500 — it has set a new standard for live entertainment spaces. Designed in response to a global surge in concert-going, it reflects a new era in which both artists and audiences expect more than a stage and a set of seats — they expect venues that amplify the spectacle and elevate the sense of occasion.

“To deliver a great building, you need a big vision,” says Declan Sharkey, Senior Principal at Populous and Project Architect for Co-op Live. “Oak View Group brought that vision to us years ago — the brief was simple but ambitious: create the greatest music venue in the world.”

The bowl that broke the mould

That philosophy took shape first in the performance space itself — an auditorium that rethinks the traditional arena model. Whereas most venues are designed to accommodate every kind of event, Co-op Live was conceived with a singular focus: live music. 

“Every design decision was made with a view to creating the best possible environment for concerts,” says Sharkey. “It was the guiding principle that shaped the configuration of the seating bowl. It meant we were able to bring the tiers much closer to the stage – fans are up to 23 metres closer than in comparable venues.” 

This proximity is not just a technical achievement — it’s an emotional one. The compact configuration allows for unparalleled intimacy on a massive scale. Combined with a standing floor capacity of 9,200 people — the largest of any UK arena — it transforms a performance into a collective, high-energy experience. “What we’ve created is an arena that captures the energy and intimacy of a much smaller gig venue,” says Sharkey. 

Notably absent from the bowl are the digital ribbon boards and commercial signage common in large arenas. This deliberate omission preserves the visual identity of the artist and the show, allowing fans to immerse themselves fully in the moment. The soundscape, too, has been meticulously engineered: over 500 acoustic panels covering 10,000 square metres ensure clarity and depth, regardless of where one sits — or stands. 

The arena’s unique design hasn’t gone unnoticed by the artists who have played there. Oasis’ Liam Gallagher described the venue as “BIBLICAL,” while Bruce Springsteen — performing his only UK shows of the year at the arena — was effusive in his praise: “This is one of the most beautiful arenas we have ever played in. Such a gorgeous, great-sounding room. It’s a really beautiful space.” 

Music through and through

The design philosophy of intimacy, authenticity and musical immersion extends throughout Co-op Live’s 41 bars, lounges and food markets. The interior scheme — led by Jump Studios, Populous’ interior design arm in the EMEA region — was conceived as a love letter to Manchester, its history and its celebrated nightlife culture. 

“Going back many years, Manchester was at the forefront of the industrial revolution, and then, more recently, it became a place of deep cultural significance — for the North, the country, and indeed the world — helping to shape generations of sound and style,” says Liam Doyle, Senior Principal at Jump Studios and Interiors Lead for Co-op Live. “We wanted that legacy — its forward-thinking energy, its grit, its musical heritage — to be reflected in every detail of the building. These were experiences that needed to authentically reflect the city and elevate the overall experience of a show.” 

Utilitarian materials — exposed steelwork, concrete, corrugated panelling — echo the site’s former life as a coal mine, while vibrant touches like graffiti, flyposting and neon signage channel the city’s nightlife culture. The result is an interior language that is distinctly Mancunian: raw, expressive and alive.  

Doyle’s team created nine levels of hospitality, catering to every price point, from general admission through to the most exclusive hospitality offering. “From the outset, OVG was clear that the quality of spaces had to be reflected across the full range of offers and that sets Co-op Live apart from almost any other venue of its kind, particularly in Europe. Whether you have the most or least expensive ticket, you’ll have access to incredible spaces and food and drink options that will add to your experience of the show.” 

For the fans — and the artists

Back-of-house, the venue continues its push for excellence in performance infrastructure. Designed in collaboration with operators, promoters and tour managers, this area features a loading dock that accommodates eight articulated trucks unloading in parallel — double the norm — allowing seamless setup and teardown. During busy load-ins, crew members have direct access to locker rooms, showers, and a dedicated catering hall, reducing friction during high-pressure transitions.  

The artist spaces are no less considered, designed with performers in mind to create the feeling of a bespoke, personalised space. Twelve dressing rooms, varying in scale and customisable by design, can be interconnected for larger groups or personalised with the artist’s own furnishings. There is even a private gym. 

Take That was among the first major acts to test the venue’s capabilities, playing seven shows in May and June 2024. For Chris Dempsey, Managing Director of YMU Music and the band’s manager, the venue sets a new benchmark. “Venues are more than brick and mortar,” he says. “They’re a home away from home — especially when artists are staying for multiple nights. The comfort and functionality backstage are just as important as the show itself.” 

The construction of Co-op Live also reflects its forward-looking ethos. Over 80% of construction orders were placed locally, with an emphasis on sustainable materials. The venue is powered by renewable energy sources, including adjacent solar arrays, and operates under a zero-waste-to-landfill commitment. “It’s the most sustainable arena in Europe,” Sharkey notes — another key pillar of the original vision. 

But perhaps the most seismic impact has been economic. In just its first year of operations, Co-op Live has delivered a £455.5 million boost in Gross Value Added to the UK economy, according to an independent economic impact study by Lichfields. The venue’s total turnover has reached £1.3 billion, with £852.2 million of that generated during its inaugural year alone. 

And this economic activity extends beyond the building itself. An estimated £313 million has flowed into the Greater Manchester economy, catalysing local businesses, hospitality and tourism. “The economic and cultural impact of Co-op Live has exceeded expectations,” said Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham, “and it’s great to see the amount of support the venue has also given to the community in east Manchester.” 

In a world where fans demand more, artists expect more, and environmental responsibility can no longer be optional, Co-op Live offers a bold new model. It is an arena not just designed for performance — but inspired by it. 

“The impact of Co-op Live,” says Sharkey, “has been seismic.” And as Manchester once again sets the tempo, the venue stands as a new benchmark — one that invites the global industry to reimagine what the live music experience can be.