'THIS WILL PUT US BACK ON MUSIC MAP'

FIRST LOOK INSIDE OF NEW £365M ARENA NEXT TO ETIHAD STADIUM

- JENNA CAMPBELL

THE new Co-op Live arena will make Manchester a 'powerhouse' of entertainment, according to venue bosses.

The new £365m arena is currently under construction next to the Etihad Stadium in east Manchester, and is on track to be completed to host its first events in April next year.

When it opens, it will be the largest' and 'most sustainable' indoor entertainment arena in the UK.

Yesterday, a major construction milestone was celebrated, with guests stepping inside the landmark venue for the first time.

As part of the 'topping out' ceremony - the final stage of roof construction special guests were invited to sign the final acoustically treated roof cassette, lifted into place to top out the structure, becoming part of the permanent structure.

The 23,500-capacity arena on the banks of the Ashton Canal, is being built by BAM Construct UK and is being led by a joint venture between City Football Group and Los Angeles-based Oak View Group.

Pop star Harry Styles was also announced as an investor in October 2020. The venue, which was originally slated to open in December this year, will host around 120 events a year, and feature 32 bars, restaurants and lounges, including locally sourced and sustainable food and drink.