Jump Studios Create Bespoke Adidas Originals Brand Space and Recording Studio Within Co-op Live Arena

“Following the opening of the Co-op Live Arena, we worked with adidas and Oak View Group to design this unique brand and live music experience, that can be activated on event and non-event day alike. The bespoke recording studio opens into a hospitality lounge, creating an immersive brand space where visitors can watch and enjoy the music being recorded live in the studio. A flexible stage in the lounge enables a physical extension of the live room, as musicians can play pre- and post-event, elevating the hospitality experience. The design of the lounge reflects a minimalist 70’s feel, but with contemporary detailing and subtle adidas Originals branding that make it feel fresh and inviting.” Rebecca Spencer – Associate Principal, Jump Studios

Built on a collaborative drive to give back to the community and support a fully inclusive music ecosystem, the adidas Originals Recording Studio, engineered by Abbey Road, has been designed as a vibrant hub for emerging musical talent and young creative communities.

The space, situated inside the UK’s largest music arena, offers a truly innovative, safe, and inspiring environment to experience the magic of live music while accessing the tools, guidance and resources to begin – or continue – their own creative journey. Open to the adidas Originals community from Manchester and beyond, it will support young creative talent through collaborations with Co-op Live, Abbey Road’s Amplify and Equalise programmes, and Factory International’s Factory Sounds.

Populous company Experience Studios advised on the initial technical brief and layout for the bespoke recording studio, which was engineered by Abbey Road’s leading technicians and sound engineers, blending decades of audio expertise with the latest workflows and cutting-edge equipment.

“The launch of the adidas Originals Recording Studio in Manchester, one of the world’s great music cities, celebrates our deep-rooted legacy in music—one that began back in the 1960s and has shaped culture across genres and generations ever since. In partnership with Co-op Live and Abbey Road Studios, this new space continues that legacy by equipping the next wave of talent with the tools and support to thrive in today’s music industry,” Chris Walsh – VP Brand, adidas.

Manchester’s Liam Fray, acclaimed musician and the founder and frontman of indie rock band Courteeners, was the first artist to utilise the adidas Originals Recording Studio through a live lounge performance on opening night. Liam commented: “Opening up a space like this to get people through the door – I’m all for it. There are obstacles to get into the industry, finance is one of those barriers, but geography is also one. To have something of this level up here that is a focal point in Manchester opens up the industry and takes it to a wider audience. There will be geniuses out there that we don’t yet know about.”

“The groundbreaking adidas Originals Recording Studio offers a truly innovative opportunity to our local community, continuing our unfaltering drive to elevate the live entertainment experience for fans and artists – whether at the event or beyond. Partnering with adidas, Abbey Road and Factory International marks another huge step for our increasing vision for Co-op Live, creating a unique space for our communities to hone their craft and to help create the headliners of the future,” Guy Dunstan, Senior Vice President & General Manager, Co-op Live.