Co-op Live delays opening again amid safety concerns
The developer behind the 23,500-capacity venue has announced further delays and the resignation of its general manager as a tumultuous week for the £350m Manchester arena draws to a close.
Teething problems related to the internal communications systems, fire safety, and internal security emerged at a test event last Saturday.
As a result, Co-op Live pushed two Peter Kay gigs planned for 23rd and 24th April back a week. The venue has announced today that those shows will now take place on 23rd and 24th May, a month later than planned.
This Saturday’s Black Keys gig, which Co-op Live insisted earlier this week would still go ahead as planned, has also been moved. It will take place on 15 May.
The opening performance will now be A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie on Wednesday 1 May.
The additional delays will provide more time to “continue testing enhanced emergency communications and measures thoroughly”, according to a statement by the venue’s developer Oak View Group.
“This is vital to satisfy the rigorous set of guidelines and protocols that are necessary for a venue of this size to ensure that our fans, artists and staff have the safest experience possible,” the statement added.
Amid the turmoil of launch week, Co-op Live general manager Gary Roden has resigned. Rebecca Kane Burton, who has previously worked at London’s O2 Arena, has stepped in as interim GM.
Tim Leiweke, chairman and chief executive of Oak View Group, has said sorry to fans.
“I would like to offer my sincerest apologies to every fan that has been impacted by this decision and others this week, and join the full team in thanking them for their continued patience and support as we prepare to open our doors.
“It’s always been very important to me that we only open Co-op Live when it is safe and appropriate to do so, and rescheduling The Black Keys and Peter Kay gives the dedicated team the time and space needed to finalise systems and measures.”
Headline sponsor Co-op Group, which signed a £100m naming rights deal in 2020 has also spoken out about the delays.
“We are very disappointed in the delayed opening of the venue and fully recognise the disruption this has caused to affected ticket holders, many of whom are Co-op members.
“Co-op Live is an incredible venue and is a force for good for Manchester, our region and the UK as a whole. We look forward to seeing the venue fully open in accordance with the timescales provided by OVG today.”
A joint statement from Manchester City Council, Greater Manchester Police, Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service, and North West Ambulance Service said:
“As a whole group, we support the decision of Co-op Live to step down the event tomorrow, and we will continue to work together as they move to completion. We have discussed with the Co-op Live venue this week the actions that they needed to take ahead of their planned public opening and while a considerable amount of work has taken place, and learning taken from last week’s test event, we all agree that there is more to complete before the venue can welcome audiences safely.
“Whilst we understand this will be disappointing, we cannot compromise on public safety. Our focus is, and always will be, the wellbeing of residents and visitors to our city. Following last Saturday’s test event, where temporary mitigations were put in place, we were assured that our concerns about the venue would be addressed before a public opening. That work is continuing as they move to welcoming events with larger audience numbers.
“The elements outstanding include a fully tested emergency services communication system, and some remaining internal security systems, and fire safety measures.
“Work is progressing quickly in all of these areas, and all partners involved look forward to the venue being open and able to welcome guests safely once they are completed.”
