Manchester

Co-op Live reveals new canalside development with cafe, bar and merch store

Big plans afoot...

Daisy Jackson Daisy Jackson - 7th April 2025

Co-op Live has just revealed plans for a brand new canalside development, with a cafe, bar, kitchen and merchandise store.

With a 600-person capacity, the proposed new space would take shape on the south terrace, immediately adjacent to the venue.

The proposal includes a cafe and bar for residents and visitors, as well as being available for community and private hire use.

The canalside development beside Co-op Live also features a merchandise store.

Initial CGIs show a modern two-storey space with several outdoor terrace areas.

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Co-op Live has revealed the plans as part of the ongoing expansion of the Etihad Campus and wider East Manchester area.

The new space has been designed in keeping with the rest of the Co-op Live exterior and could double up as a second stand-alone event space.

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Ticket-holders for gigs at the music-first live music arena will have access to the development before shows, further boosting the gig-going experience.

The space will feature dedicated toilets, accessible and baby change areas, and an accessible lift.

Co-op Live has already redeveloped part of East Manchester as part of its build, creating a ‘Citylink’ walking route between the city centre and the Etihad Campus, lined with art installations.

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The venue is hosting an open exhibition so that people can discover more about the canalside proposal, before a planning application is submitted to Manchester City Council.

The exhibition will take place on Thursday 10 April – visitors can access the venue’s Co-op Backstage Club through Entrance G from 5pm until 8pm. Head HERE to learn more.

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Featured image: Supplied

Manchester

AO Arena announces ‘In Conversation’ event with Luke Una

Thomas Melia Thomas Melia

Much loved DJ and musical artist Luke Una is the latest act appearing at the AO Arena as part of their ‘In Conversation’ event taking place in Manchester later this year.

Luke Cowdrey, known more commonly under the name Luke Una, makes up one half of the unforgettable DJ duo, The Unabombers, who were widely respected in the Manchester club scene.

Known for his involvement in pivotal club movements like Homobloc and E Soul Cultura, he certainly knows how to live it large.

Una’s music helped define the underground scene in Manchester during the 1980s and 90s alongside The Unabombers bandmate, Justin Crawford.

AO Arena announces 'In Conversation' event with Luke Una
Credit: Publicity Picture (supplied via AO Arena)

The two were known for producing music in the Northern Sulphuric Soul genre and even ran a legendary club night titled ‘Electric Chair’.

Their music tended to blend lots of different sounds from across the globe, including Latin, hip-hop, disco, house and more.

Now, Una is ditching the decks for a mellower event focused all around his music, where he will be sharing stories that have taken place over the course of his expansive four-decade-long career.

All the talks taking place at AO Arena will be hosted by none other than BBC 6 Music presenter Chris Hawkins known for his work regularly hosting an early morning radio show and also documentaries too.

Una isn’t the only guest who will be talking all things career and Northern music, The Charlatans’ Tim Burgess is also taking part in the AO Arena’s newest talk series ‘Live And In Conversation’ set to take place this month.

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Tim Burgess is definitely keeping himself busy as he’s hosting a merch market event all about supporting bands across three Manchester city centre live music venues in May too.

The adored DJ is taking to the incredible Manchester venue on 18 May from 6pm to 10:30pm, giving guests plenty of opportunities to learn all about his artistry and skill.

Luke Una is sitting down with Chris Hawkins for AO Arena’s ‘Live And In Conversation’ series, with tickets going on sale HERE.

For all the latest news, events and goings on in Greater Manchester, subscribe to The Manc newsletter HERE.

Featured Images — Publicity Picture (via Supplied)

Manchester

Calum Scott announces HUGE gig in Manchester this year

Thomas Melia Thomas Melia

Singer-songwriter and talent show contestant Calum Scott has announced a huge gig in Manchester later this year.

Known for his impeccable cover of the Robyn hit ‘Dancing On My Own’, which earned him a golden buzzer from Simon Cowell, Scott has been dropping some real tunes since starring on our TV screens.

His biggest hit, despite not being an original of his own, went on to secure the Scottish star a BRIT Awards nomination, but his debut album Only Human (2018) and his track ‘You Are the Reason’ earned both gold and platinum certifications in 21 countries.

Scott has been captivating people’s attention for over a decade now after first being spotted by Hull Daily Mail as part of their ‘Star Search’ campaign.

Calum Scott announces HUGE gig in Manchester at AO Arena for this year
Credit: Press Image (supplied)

This Britain’s Got Talent star has been praising past musical acts long before his Robyn cover, even forming a Maroon 5 tribute, Maroon 4 in 2014, the year before he achieved stardom.

Calum Scott worked with highly acclaimed producer Jax Jones on his unofficial Love Island anthem, ‘Whistle’, which he even performed in the villa back in 2023.

This collaboration gained the pair a top 20 hit and a gold certified hit, selling over 400,000 copies in the United Kingdom alone.

Anyone who asks me ‘Where Are You Now’ on 12 September will find me front row at AO Arena ready to watch this super Scottish singer.

Manchester will be his first UK stop on the tour, where he’ll also be playing in London at OVO Arena Wembley on 21 September.

Calum Scott announces HUGE gig in Manchester at AO Arena for this year
Credit: Supplied

Now, Scott returns with his newest album, The Avenoir, which sees the singer pictured rowing into a peaceful and calming water-meets-the-sky background.

Currently, five singles have been released from this album, including ‘Roots’, ‘Lighthouse’ and the latest drop ‘God Knows’.

With the album set to reach our ears in September, fans will have just over a month to practice all their words and be prepared to sing their hearts out.

Calum Scott is bringing ‘The Avenoir Tour’ to AO Arena in Manchester on 12 September, with tickets on sale from this Friday, 11 April.

You can get ready to grab yours HERE.

‘The Avenoir World Tour’ will be here before you know it.

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For all the latest news, events and goings on in Greater Manchester, subscribe to The Manc newsletter HERE.

Featured Image: Publicity Picture (via Supplied)

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