What's going on at Manchester's Co-op Live? The arena plagued with problems and postponements

3 May 2024, 08:47 | Updated: 3 May 2024, 13:34

Manchester Co-op Live will be the UK's biggest indoor arena - but it has been beset by problems before it has even opened.

A slew of gigs have been postponed or moved from the £365m venue, which - when it opens - will accommodate 23,500 people.

A preview gig by singer Rick Astley is the only occasion where audiences have been inside. But even then, capacity was slashed just before it was due to start.

Comedian Peter Kay was supposed to be the first official act on 23 April - but his performances were rescheduled and since then there has been a domino of events being pushed back.

Sky News looks at what has happened, what is behind the delays to opening, and what event ticketholders should do.

What events have been affected?

Olivia Rodrigo

US singer Olivia Rodrigo's sold-out performances scheduled for 3 and 4 May have been postponed.

Her Co-op Live gigs were two of the 10 UK dates on her European and US tour. The new dates are yet to be announced.

Boogie Wit Da Hoodie

The US rapper's gig on 1 May was cancelled at the last minute, with fans already gathered outside.

Doors were supposed to open at 6.30pm for an 8pm start. But a "venue-related technical issue" meant fans were told - via a post on the venue's X account at 6.40pm - that the gig would not go ahead.

Take That

Take That have moved their upcoming gigs to Manchester's AO Arena after the problems at Co-op Live.

All of their Manchester shows in May have been moved and are on the same dates as before apart from 8 May which has been switched to 9 May.

But the British pop group are still planning to go ahead with two June dates at Co-op Live.

Barry Manilow

Barry Manilow has said he has booked another venue as a "back up plan" for his scheduled date at Co-op Live on 19 May.

He said the rival AO Arena had been booked for the same date if Co-op Live was not ready.

Keane

British rock band Keane were due to play at the venue on 5 May, but said they were "absolutely gutted" to cancel the gig because of "ongoing technical issues beyond our control".

"We are doing all we can to reschedule the show," they added.

Rick Astley

Rick Astley's performance on 20 April was a "test event" for the venue but ticket capacity was slashed just hours before his gig was due to begin.

He did perform at the arena and there were reports on social media that the event was a success.

Astley fans who had their tickets cancelled were instead offered seats to see US rock band The Black Keys play - but their show has also been affected.

The Black Keys

The new date for The Black Keys is 15 May after their original gig on 27 April was cancelled.

Peter Kay

Peter Kay, who was scheduled to be the first performer at the venue, was forced to postpone his two shows for a second time.

His first performances on 23 and 24 April had to be postponed with less than 48 hours' notice and will now take place on 23 and 24 May.

He said it was "very disappointing but your safety is important, and I won't compromise that".

So when will events actually start?

Organisers at Co-op Live said the venue will be taking "a short pause to events" before welcoming members of the public to the arena from 14 May.

A Co-op Live statement said: "At this time, we do not expect further impact on our opening season. We are aware our actions have frustrated and angered ticketholders."

What's behind the problems?

The issue is with the building's heating, ventilation and air conditioning system.

During the soundcheck for the Boogie Wit Da Hoodie gig, a component of the venue's heating and ventilation system separated from the ductwork.

Venue bosses said while they thought it was "an isolated incident caused by a factory defect", they needed to inspect all the similar nozzles.

There will be an "independent inspection of all elements of the arena ceiling" while the venue remains closed, according to bosses.