Arena bomb survivors in appeal to close £365m venue 'for the time being'

MANCHESTER Arena attack survivors are urging Co-op Live bosses to postpone concerts until the building is completely ready.

- HELENA VESTY

The venue's troubled opening is coinciding with the approach of seventh anniversary the of the Manchester Arena attack on May 22, marking a time of year when many survivors say their anxieties are heightened.

The £365m music venue, located next to City's Etihad Stadium, had been due to officially open at the end of April but has been mired in a number of work-related delays, leading to chaotic cancellations and delays. On Wednesday night, Co-op Live was due to reopen with a show from rapper A Boogie Wit da Hoodie.

However, the show was postponed with less than an hour to go, just as queues were outside the venue waiting to get inside. What was supposed to be the first official gig was called off after a nozzle from an air conditioning unit fell from the ceiling during a soundcheck.

Two hours after the announcement on Wednesday evening, the venue confirmed Friday and Saturday's gigs with pop star Olivia Rodrigo would also be cancelled. Other cancellation announcements followed, including Take That's run of shows next week being relocated to the rival AO arena.

The confusion has led to an outcry from the Manchester Arena Support Network, a group run by those impacted by the May 2017 bombing at Manchester Arena. The network is pleading with Co-op Live venue bosses to postpone any further shows until any more work needed is completed to ensure the safety of gig-goers.