Co-op Live reveals HUGE impact it has had on the local economy in first year

Exactly a year since it officially opened its doors with a concert by Bury band Elbow, Co-op Live has revealed new figures on the financial boost it has delivered to the Manchester and wider UK economy.

The independent economic analysis says the arena has delivered a staggering £785.5M boost to the UK economy, with a total turnover of £1.3 billion since first breaking ground next to the Etihad Stadium in Manchester in 2021.

In its first year of operations alone, the new report says Co-op Live has achieved £852.2M in turnover and £455.5M in "Gross Value Added" (GVA) - a measure that reflects the additional value added to the economy, including hospitality and tourism spend at Manchester' hotels, bars, restaurants and transport network too.

The 23,500-capacity arena has welcomed over 1.5million fans across 105 events over the past year.

It included huge gigs from the likes of Liam Gallagher, Sabrina Carpenter, Paul McCartney, Burna Boy and The Eagles, as well as hosting the MTV EMAs for the first time in Manchester.

Turnover is expected to increase in future years as the number of events grows annually, according to a new independent economic impact report by leading planning consultancy Lichfields released today.

Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham has welcomed the figures today, saying: "The economic and cultural impact of Co-op Live has exceeded expectations, and it’s great to see the amount of support the venue has also given to the community in east Manchester.

"Greater Manchester is once again showing its ability to attract the best entertainment talent in the UK to the city-region, while also supporting our artists, with Co-op Live quickly becoming a massive part of this.”

The new economic analysis reveals that