Co-op Live and Manchester City announce plans to transform ‘CityLink’ walking route

The football club and Manchester’s soon-to-open huge new music arena have unveiled the plans for a ‘significant upgrade’ to the CityLink walking route.

If approved, the route between Holt Town tram stop on the edge of the city centre and the Etihad Campus, would undergo the transformation in time for Co-op Live’s opening in April.

The application aims to provide music and football fans with alternative travel options to and from the Etihad Campus – a central part of both the Co-op Live’s and the Club’s long-term approach to environmental sustainability.

The walking route was built for the 2002 Commonwealth Games creating an access route for people travelling between the city centre and the East of Manchester.

Subject to approval from Manchester City Council, the proposals will transform the route into a vibrant pre-event experience with proposed features including interactive lighting installations, busking spots for performances by local musical talent, and pop-up food and drink stalls. 

Alongside this, stewards from Co-op Live and the Club will staff the route both before and after their respective events – which will also be covered by enhanced CCTV.

In line with Co-op Live’s and Manchester City Football Club’s existing commitments to the wider regeneration of the local neighbourhood, an extensive clean-up of the walkway has already begun with the trimming of overgrown trees and shrubs completed, alongside improvements to directional signage.

Should the plans receive approval, initial creative visuals, together with artwork commissioned by Co-op Live utilising local artists, will be installed ahead of Co-op Live’s opening in April, with further football and music design themes to be phased in over time.

The improvements to the walking route will be delivered in conjunction with Manchester City Council, Transport for Greater Manchester, and Co-op Live naming rights partner, Co-op.

Commenting on the plans, Danny Wilson, Managing Director – Manchester City Operations, said ensuring fans and visitors ‘have more options for sustainable travel to and from the Etihad Campus is incredibly important’. 

At the same time, in line with our ongoing and long-term commitments to the development and regeneration of our local area, we know that the upgraded ‘CityLink’ will benefit members of our local community who will now have a cleaner, brighter and safer walking route to use day in and day out,” he added.

Gary Roden, Executive Director and General Manager, Co-op Live, said: “We are transforming the fan experience of live entertainment one step at a time.

“By investing in the regeneration of the walking route, we are providing a safe, and eco-friendly alternative to car travel and giving the local community a revitalised outdoor space that they can use all year round.

“This is everything we are about, and I am delighted this part of our vision is now becoming a reality.”

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