Thee owners of AO Arena, formally Manchester Arena, ASM Global, have said they are “wholly disappointed” in the decision to approve a new £350m arena in Eastlands.
Oak View Group have been granted planning permission to begin work on the 23,500-capacity venue – despite more than 580 objections raised in a public consultation.
ASM Global, who are currently in the process of revamping Manchester Arena to accommodate 24,000 people, have expressed concerns that the city cannot sustain two huge venues.
However, the council have given the Eastlands arena the green light – with work due to begin in November and complete in 2023.
ASM Global representatives said there was “compelling evidence that shows there is simply no market for a second major arena in Manchester.”
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“This decision will have a significantly adverse impact for our existing arena, and the wider city centre businesses and attractions it supports,” said an ASM spokesperson.
“Clear evidence has been presented on multiple occasions that demonstrates the application for an Eastlands Arena relies on flawed research, impossible market projections, is in defiance of national and local policy, and does not align with the adopted Core Strategy to support sustainable growth in the city. Why then has it been so readily approved?
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“Fundamental questions remain as to whether this is truly the right choice for Manchester, particularly in the current climate. Despite the initial plans for the area, starting with the 2017 Eastlands Regeneration Framework, emphasising any proposals should complement the city centre offer, we firmly believe, and are supported in analysis from the likes of Charles River Associates, Oxford Economics and Grant Thornton, that this second arena will instead pull visitors, footfall and spend away from the city centre.
Manchester’s AO Arena
The statement continued: “It also places plans to redevelop and transform Manchester Arena – currently submitted for approval and supported by over 7,000 in Greater Manchester – in jeopardy. There is simply no business case to support a significant investment if the market is halved.
“We are considering our position, and will review all options to ensure the future of Manchester Arena, and our city centre economy, is secured, despite the pressures posed by the approval of this application.”
By 2023, Manchester could be home to both of the biggest indoor arenas in Britain – positioned just a few miles apart from one another.
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Manchester Airport is hosting a big jobs fair with more than 500 roles on offer
Emily Sergeant
Hundreds of careers are set for take-off, as Manchester Airport’s annual autumn jobs fair is returning early next month.
Manchester Airports Group (MAG), which owns and operates Manchester Airport as well as East Midlands and London Stansted Airports, is one of the largest of its kind in the UK, and this year is promoting vacancies in Hospitality, Car Parks, and Bussing at its jobs fair.
Attendees will have the opportunity to learn more about a career at the airport by speaking to employers operating on-site.
More than 500 roles will be advertised at the event, and more than 20 employers represented.
Manchester Airport is hiring! ✈️
Join us at the Wythenshawe Forum on 5th November for a huge recruitment event featuring 20+ employers and over 500 live vacancies across the airport. Whether you're starting out or looking for a fresh opportunity – this is your chance to take… pic.twitter.com/cmrlZUrBTM
Running from 10am to 2pm on Wednesday 5 November at Wythenshawe Forum, some of the other employers who will be represented at the fair include retailers and franchise operators, like Fever Tree, JD Wetherspoon, and Airport Retail Enterprises, as well as airport service providers like Dnata, Mitie, and AES – the engineering delivery partner for Ryanair.
The Airport Academy, which is run in partnership by Manchester Airport and Trafford & Stockport College Group, will also be in attendance on the day to promote its free pre-employment support programmes and fully accredited training schemes.
Jobseekers who secure a role within MAG can take advantage of a wide range of benefits during their employment.
Manchester Airport is hosting a big jobs fair next month with more than 500 roles on offer / Credit: Manchester Airport
These include discounts on public transport when travelling to work, free on-site car parking whilst working and when going on holiday, an excellent pension scheme, training programmes, retail discounts, and many more.
“We are excited to be hosting our autumn jobs fair at Wythenshawe Forum, giving people in communities surrounding the airport and beyond an opportunity to find out more about the varied career paths on offer in aviation,” commented Marcella M’Rabety, who is the Head of Social Sustainability at Manchester Airport.
“We are proud of our role in serving those communities, not just by connecting them to the places they want to fly to, but also by creating opportunities for local people and ensuring communities share in our success.”
Manchester Airport’s autumn careers fair is free for all to attend, but you’ll need to book your ticket online first here.
Featured Image – MAG
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Manchester Pride’s statement in full after performers say they’ve still not been paid
Daisy Jackson
Manchester Pride has released a statement addressing claims that some performers from this year’s festival still haven’t been paid for their work.
The charity behind the huge LGBTQ+ event has shared an update on its future amid public calls for several artists who appeared at the three-day festival to be paid.
The Manchester Pride Board of Trustees has said in a public statement that it is ‘currently in the process of determining the best way forward with our legal and financial advisers’.
Yesterday, a number of artists who appeared at this year’s celebration shared a letter that alleges they are still waiting for payment for their work at the festival, which takes place every August bank holiday weekend.
Those who have spoken out have so far included RuPaul’s Drag Race UK star Zahirah Zapanta, singer-songwriter Patrick Saint James, and actor Adam Ali.
The statement from Manchester Pride has also stressed that the welfare of its team and staff is of the utmost importance and pleaded that they be treated with ‘kindness and respect’.
“They have worked hard to deliver pride for decades and we are proud of them,” Manchester Pride wrote. “It is the board that takes responsibility for our decisions based on advice and guidance, and not our staff.”
Manchester Pride added that they aim to provide more details by Wednesday 22 October.
Their full statement is as follows: “We recognise that there has been a period of silence from us, whilst we have taken legal and financial advice. We understand the frustration this has caused and the impact this has. Our intention is to ensure that we speak with honesty, clarity, and care as we move forward.
“Manchester Pride is currently in the process of determining the best way forward with our legal and financial advisers. The aim is to provide additional communications by Wednesday 22nd October. We will provide further information to our communities and stakeholders as well. They deserve this.
“We know that moments like this can raise questions and emotions. We want to ensure that our staff, interns, artists, contractors and suppliers, who are all a part of our community, are heard and considered. The wellbeing and safety of our staff, who are all a part of the wider community is our highest priority.
“We ask that people treat our staff, from the CEO to the interns and volunteers, with kindness and respect. They have worked hard to deliver pride for decades and we are proud of them. It is the board that takes responsibility for our decisions based on advice and guidance, and not our staff.
“As part of this process, we will be reaching out to key stakeholders, partners, and media contacts in due course. Until then, we are pausing further public comment while we focus on clear and careful communication.
“Thank you to everyone who shows solidarity during this time.”
The Manc -
25th September 2020 
