Despite a host of technical errors and postponed shows following its opening, Co-op Live has been crowned winner of Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce’s 2024 Building of the Year Award.
The award, sponsored by Jamieson Contracting, was presented at the Chamber’s Property & Construction Annual Dinner, which was held at Imperial War Museum North.
Co-op Live is Europe’s largest indoor arena, with a 23,500 capacity. The building was nominated for both its design quality and the economic benefits that it has brought to the region.
But when it opened last April, it was plagued with technical faults.
Its initial opening test event, with 11,000 guests, had to have its capacity reduced due to power outage issues and a number of shows, including that of comedian Peter Kay, had to be rescheduled for the improvement works to be completed.
Rapper, Boogie Wiv Da Hoodie had his concert postponed when part of the air conditioning unit fell to the floor, shortly after the doors opened.
Since opening, the £400 million venue has hosted the likes of Liam Gallagher and Janet Jackson.
And now, it is successfully running various events and has earned the new honour.
The aim of the Building of the Year Award is to recognise a building’s contribution to Greater Manchester in terms of construction and development. This could include the building’s significance to the City Region, its impact on the local economy, its effect on the local community, its importance in terms of urban regeneration and environmental enhancement, its design excellence, or its contribution to urban design and townscape.
Other buildings shortlisted for the prestigious award included Rochdale Town Hall, Eden, Stockport Interchange and North View.
Diane Elebert-Morgan, property & construction group manager at Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce, said: “Co-op Live is a world-class venue which has rapidly become a major part of Greater Manchester’s cultural economy. This striking building is a venue that can compete with anywhere in the country and is a major draw for visitors from far and wide.
“Many areas would be proud to have just one of the buildings that were shortlisted for the Building of the Year Award. The fact we are home to six such impressive developments shows how Greater Manchester’s Property & Construction sector is thriving. Ranging from the stunning refurbishment of an historic gem to a new state-of-the-art transport hub, these are buildings that local people can be proud of and which will have a real impact on their lives for years to come.”
