Co-op Live Construction in Manchester Underway

Following extensive enabling works since the beginning of the year, construction of the UK’s largest entertainment arena in Manchester, England has recently begun, kickstarting a wave of economic activity and job creation across Greater Manchester. Co-op Live is being built by BAM Construction, with almost £150 million of the construction orders have already been placed with local firms.

Developer OVG is investing over £350 million to create one of the best and most sustainable live entertainment arenas in Europe. The construction project is one of the biggest to commence nationally since the onset of COVID-19. At its peak, Co-op Live’s construction site will see approximately 400 people working on it daily. BAM estimates that more than 2,000 people will work on the site over its three-year construction phase, comprising the majority of the 3,350 total jobs the project will support from now to 2023.

OVG forecasts that Co-op Live will create a further 1,000 jobs when operational.

In addition, 9,000 tons of steelwork will be provided from a depot in Bolton, while a huge order for mechanical and electrical works has been placed with a firm based on Altrincham Road in Manchester, SES. The striking façade and roof are being delivered by a firm in Cheadle.

Other services that will be provided by local companies include concrete, grouting and lifts, plus smaller contracts for hoardings, welfare, catering and security.

An apprenticeship program is set to be announced as construction accelerates. Work has started, with millions of pounds of bulk excavation and remediation work underway that will provide work for the region’s haulers and plant companies.