Co-op Live

Better Green was appointed to design the new Canalside development at the UK’s largest live indoor arena, Co-op Live in Manchester. The 2,000 sq ft multi-functional hospitality space enhances the visitor experience, creating a vibrant public realm for concertgoers, event attendees and the community.

Client: Oak View Group 
Project value: £1.5 million investment in provision for the local community
Contract type: Design, project management, contractor coordination and construction
Full contract signed: December 2024
Handover: September 2025

Project

Designing the new Canalside development, Co-op Live in Manchester

As the UK’s largest live indoor arena, Manchester’s Co-op Live wanted to transform its podium space. Refurbishment specialists Better Green Living were approached by live entertainment company Oak View Group to put a proposal together on the design and build to enhance the use of their podium Canalside area. 

The modular, container-based structure provides flexibility in design, creating a dynamic and visually striking hospitality hub. The project mimicked the aesthetic of Co-op Live, featuring a mesh-clad façade and multi-level arrangement, blending with the arena’s industrial-chic architecture. All done within 8 months.

Sustainable materials 

To ensure Better Green adhered to a minimal environmental impact when designing and building the podium, specialist third-party company, Zero Waste, separated the waste and removed it for recycling purposes, including woods and plant materials.

Challenges faced

The main obstacle Better Green had to consider was to carry out the works with minimal disruption during the events hosted at the venue. The team would open in the early hours of the morning and during the afternoon, they would have to reduce the site fencing perimeter to allow the venue to continue to operate into the evening for concerts and events being held.

Alongside the time restraints, additional challenges included weight constraints and structural engineering. The team had to plan effectively and ensure work carried out were not in the way of planned events.

Key takeaways

Being a specialist retrofit and events company Better green incorporated its varied skill set from both its construction and events side. Seeing the concept of design and construction through to the end, they had to adhere to tight deadlines and combine their skill set on both construction and retrofitting of this particular build