Manchester’s Co-op Live will be the UK’s first all-electric ‘planet-friendly’ arena when it opens

The upcoming Co-op Live arena is set to be a first of its kind in the UK thanks to its state-of-the-art electricity design.

In a groundbreaking development the arena, which will be situated next door to the Etihad Stadium, will use no gas supply whatsoever and will rely solely on electricity.

The venue – billed to be the biggest in the UK – will use electricity for everything from air-source heat pumps for heating and domestic hot water, through to cooling and catering, unlike traditional arenas which tend to use gas boilers.

Co-Op Live

Co-Op Live

The rooftop solar panels will be used to power day-to-day activity, with green electricity from the grid topping up capacity for events.

As a result of the switch-over from boilers to electric alternatives, the arena’s design achieves over a 50% reduction in energy usage compared to similar arenas of its size.

There will also be a significant air quality improvement due to the avoidance of on-site fuel burning, with the design enabling a 23% reduction in carbon emissions. And, crucially, the arena will also be on track towards achieving net zero carbon by Manchester City Council’s target of 2038 by building electric-based infrastructure from the very beginning.

Other key features of the arena’s electric design includes 8,883m2 solar panels, 100% rainwater harvesting, 240 covered cycles spaces and encouragement of low carbon transport, zero food waste and landfill.

Co-Op Live

Co-Op Live

There will also be thirty-two restaurants, bars and marketplaces serving sustainable and locally produced food and drink for guests to enjoy before and during their shows.

Mark Donnelly, COO, OVG International, said: “Climate change is the single largest problem facing the planet today and we take our responsibility in creating a greener world seriously. In Co-op Live, we are building a planet-friendly venue as well as one capable of hosting the world’s best events.

“I’m proud that it’s going to be the UK’s first all-electric arena and we’re also implementing a range of other features including solar panels, rainwater harvesting, and extensive green spaces to make sure it’s the UK’s most sustainable.”

Co-Op Live is around one year into its building phase, and is expected to be complete in 2023. Head over to the official Co-Op Live website for more information.