The owners of Manchester Arena have published images showing their ambitious plans to revamp the city centre’s iconic performance venue.
ASM Global has announced they intend to transform the Arena with a new exterior, remodelled entranceway, and added concourse levels.
If complete, the capacity of Manchester Arena would be increased to a whopping 24,000.
Earlier this year, American development and investment company Oak View Group (OVG) announced plans to build a second arena in Manchester’s Eastlands area – which would cost £350m and be the largest of its kind in Britain.
This has prompted ASM to look at future-proofing their own venue and preserve its status as the go-to performance centre in Manchester.
Tom Lynch, Director of Business Development, ASM Global, commented: “Our plans will reimagine the whole customer experience at the venue, with a new exterior, a completely remodelled entrance sequence, additional concourse circulation space and some great new VIP experiences.
“We plan to embed sustainability into every aspect of the redevelopment, as part of our mission to become one of the lowest carbon venues in Europe. We’re currently consulting with our neighbours and the City Council, and we look forward to launching public consultation to welcome input from the rest of the city.
“We will increase capacity of the venue to 24,000 by creating new entrances and exits, to bring more people to shows while ensuring safe and speedy entry and exit to events.
“Our plans are consistent with existing planning policy and support regional economic strategy, including many of the recommendations made within The Greater Manchester Music Review.”
Manchester Arena is celebrating its 25th anniversary in 2020 and has continued to find a way to host shows despite the pandemic.
The event featured performances from Lionel Richie, Alice Cooper, Badly Drawn Boy, Tim Burgess, Emeli Sande, Everything Everything, Kelli-Leigh, Kodaline, Slow Readers Club and The Hoosiers.
Funds raised are being shared amongst The Booth Centre, The Christie, Forever Manchester and Nordoff Robbins charities (you can view the performances and still donate here).
Whilst OVG has repeatedly reaffirmed its belief that Manchester can sustain two major venues, companies working closely with Manc Arena have expressed concern.
These include Manchester Arndale; Aviva Investors; DTZ Investors; Living Ventures; the Manchester Hospitality Network; San Carlo Restaurant Group and Prestbury Investments.
The strain placed on the economy by coronavirus remains a significant concern for Manchester Arena – with most live performances still on hold.
But many also fear a second arena could detract footfall away from the city centre.
Jeremy Roberts, co-founder of Living Ventures, owners of Australasia, Grand Pacific and founders of The Oast House and The Alchemist: “Now is not the time to destabilise our city centre’s hospitality trade, and I, along with many other local business owners, are deeply concerned by the proposal’s inclusion of significant food & beverage space.
“We were assured this proposal would encourage more visitors and trade. Instead, it is clear it will simply act as an out-of-town competing offering.
“Manchester Arena plays a key role in our city’s ecosystem, providing footfall for many local businesses. Right now, the city centre needs confidence and must protect its existing bars and restaurants.”
More information on Manchester Arena’s development plans can be found here.
News
Viral beauty retailer Sephora announces Manchester Arndale opening day plans
Thomas Melia
Viral beauty stockist Sephora has announced the schedule ahead of new Manchester Arndale site’s opening day.
Known for stocking some of the world’s biggest beauty brands, including Sol De Janeiro Rare Beauty by Selena Gomez, Fenty, Huda Beauty, and more, Sephora is making its Manchester Arndale debut this week, and opening day plans have been confirmed.
After opening its first Manchester site inside the Trafford Centre last year, the cosmetics retailer is now really making its mark on Manchester city centre.
Ahead of its new launch inside one of Manchester’s biggest shopping centres, with a almost 5,000 sq ft site inside the Arndale, Sephora is expected to attract huge queues, so the retailer has issued a statement detailing its plans ahead of the opening day.
Sephora has announced plans ahead of its big Manchester Arndale launch event / Credit: The Manc Group
The opening day is this Friday (1 August) from 10am, and from this date, you’ll be able to get your hands on all their glorious goodies and brands.
If you’re eager to be one of the first people to browse this beauty shop and its massive product range, you’ll be able to queue beforehand – with entertainment on the day from 8am, and the opening ceremony from 9:30am.
Similarly to the brand’s Trafford Centre launch, there will be a range of activities, including an appearance from Drag King Don One, DJ sets, Spin the Wheel, and Sephora’s iconic viral gift bags.
These gift bags have become highly-sought-after due to the sheer amount of big names and top quality products you can find inside, and there’ll be 800 of these prized possessions given away throughout the weekend.
This time, however, the cosmetics retailer is trialling a new approach, with anyone who makes an in-store purchase receiving a ‘Sephora Beauty Bonus Card’ which gives you access to goodies and offers without queuing.
You’ll be in with the chance of winning a goodie bag, a mystery lucky dip for a full-sized product, Benefit Wax and Tint Brow Service, 30-minute makeover opportunity, exclusive merchandise, and a 10% off code for the Manchester Arndale Sephora shop.
The viral beauty brand Sephora will be giving away 800 goodie bag at its big Manchester Arndale launch event / Credit: The Manc Group
Sephora will be stocking more than 135 brands, as well as a curation of products that are exclusive to its UK locations.
Sarah Boyd, Managing Director of Sephora UK, commented: “We’ve been blown away by the energy and support from our community at every store opening since our first in 2023.
“This new approach means even more customers can enjoy the fun and walk away with a surprise without needing to arrive hours before doors open. It’s about putting customer wellbeing first, while still celebrating in true Sephora style”.
Sephora is opening at Manchester Arndale on Friday 1 August, with entertainment starting from 8am, the official opening ceremony commencing from 9:30am, and the store opening at 10am.
Aldi becomes first UK supermarket to introduce new ‘£13 rule’ from September
Emily Sergeant
Aldi is set to become the first supermarket to pay staff working in its stores across the UK at least £13 an hour.
The budget supermarket retailer’s new minimum rate – which increases to £14.33 within the M25 – will officially take effect from 1 September 2025, and is set to further exceed the Real Living Wage of £12.60 an hour that was set by the Living Wage Foundation in October last year.
At present, Store Assistants at Aldi are currently paid a minimum of £12.75 an hour nationwide, but that is set to change in the autumn.
As well as the standard £13 hourly rate, Store Assistants’ pay will be subject to further rises depending on their length of service – meaning they’ll get £13.93 nationally, and £14.64 within the M25.
Aldi becomes first UK supermarket to introduce new ‘£13 rule’ from September / Credit: Aldi
The news that Aldi will become the UK’s first supermarket to pay colleagues £13 an hour follows the retailer’s impressive achievement of being named the Employer of the Year at The Grocer Gold Awards – where it was recognised for its competitive pay, investment in training, and its focus on diversity and inclusion.
Aldi is also the only retailer to offer all colleagues paid breaks too, on top of their hourly rate or salary, which is worth approximately £1,385 a year for the average store colleague.
“Our people are the driving force behind our success across the UK,” commented Giles Hurley, who is the Chief Executive Officer of Aldi UK and Ireland.
The Manc -
23rd July 2020 
