Oak View Group Reveals Plans For Major New Manchester Arena

MANCHESTER, UK (CelebrityAccess) — Oak View Group is partnering with the Co-Op, the largest consumer co-operative in the UK, to launch a major new arena in Manchester that will rival venues such as Madison Square Garden, The Forum, and the O2 London in scope.

Plans for the $350 million privately-funded arena were given the green light by Manchester City Council on Thursday, September 24th.

According to the Oak View Group, when it receives final approval from national planning authorities, the arena construction will create more than 3,000 jobs during a three-year build-out, all paying at minimum the Manchester Living Wage.

Additionally, OVG estimates the construction will support an additional six thousand jobs across the region, and once the venue opens, it will create 1,000 jobs across a range disciplines.

Tim Leiweke, Chief Executive Officer, Oak View Group, said: “We’re delighted with this partnership and join together with the Co-op team to build the new world-class arena that Manchester deserves. Our shared vision with Co-op is what makes this partnership so special.

“Our partnership goes way beyond a normal naming rights agreement. The shared values will help define the ethos of the venue, including bold commitments on sustainability and community. I’ve said from the beginning of this project that this arena will be of Manchester, for Manchester and by Manchester, and this partnership with one of the city’s most iconic brands is a critical part of that. We can’t wait to work together to bring amazing live event experiences, in one of the world’s best arenas, to Manchester.”