Co-op Live applies for mini canalside venue
Constructed from shipping containers, the 7,200 sq ft modular build will have a capacity of 200 on each level, plus 100 on the existing terrace.
Fronting onto the Ashton Canal and rising two storeys, the containers would be shadowed by Co-op Live and look out across the water towards the Etihad Stadium.
Populous, the architect who built the £350m Co-op Live, has also drawn up designs for this unit alongside Better Green Productions.
Applicant Oak View Group expects the venue would offer food and drink from three hours before a Co-op Live event starts and will close 30 minutes before the main act takes to the stage in the arena.
Given its proximity to the Etihad Stadium, on football match days, the venue would become a fan zone for three hours before kick-off.
Co-op Live has submitted the planning application to Manchester City Council, citing the “identified unmet demand” of customers up to three hours before events begin – the shipping containers would help address that demand.
The build would be constructed using modular systems, which the applicant claims will be “inherently adaptable” to changes in demand.
When there are no events scheduled, the containers would take on more community-focused activation with a daytime café, which could offer a range of activities from yoga to poetry reading sessions.
In addition, Co-op Live will offer the venue for private hire.
The venue will combine food and beverage offers with merchandise sales and informal seating.
Deloitte is the planning consultant for the scheme.
To view the application, use the planning reference number 143097/FO/2025 on Manchester City Council’s planning portal.
Brilliant idea. There isn’t much round there at the moment apart from a few city pubs.
It’s odd that there isn’t more local investment and retail offerings in the surrounding area.
By Anonymous
This looks like an excellent proposal. There must be a good business case to have an underground rail link from sports city through the city centre to Trafford city with a stop at Old Trafford.
By Anonymous
Uncomfortable venue to visit (As well as expensive). Standing audience all kettled outside before they let you in through security. Feels really open given events in recent times, needs looking at urgently.
By Crow
Anonymous – Man City’s extension will provide a lot of amenities that i presume will be available to Co-op revellers on non match days
By Tomo
Re: Anonymous at 12.07
I agree but there hasn’t been much improvement in 22 years. People eat in town.
Hopefully the proposed Canalside venue at the Co-op Arena will help a little.
By Peter Chapman
Re: Anonymous at 1.42 pm
Excellent proposal . A much better solution than keep expanding the metrolink tram system.
I’ll contact Andy Burnham and Bev Craig.
By Peter Chapman
Dont forget your credit card.. CO-OP Lives thinks every guest is a cash cow for extortionately priced food and drink! “un met demand” more like 300 fans for 3 hours average drink price at £9 and food at £8 with a drink every 20 mins i make that a minimum of £140ish per minute revenue
By Anonymous
More choice, the better!
Although I doubt the poetry readings will rival Hay-on-Wye, as Manchester isn’t quite ‘mad fer it’ in those kind of volume just yet.
By Harper Collins
Good in the sense it might catalyse that canal corridor to the ground, probably helps the Holt Town regeneration efforts, but I suspect few would go out there without a match or a concert to attend.
By Rich X