Styles Invests In Hometown Arena
• Apparently not quite busy enough these days, superstar Harry Styles, still riding high with the success of his Columbia Records’ album Fine Line, has made his first big move into the business world by making an investment in Co-op Live, Oak View Group’s new venue in Styles’ hometown of Manchester, England. The arena, which will be the UK’s largest, will be located on the Etihad Campus and is set to open in 2023. The investment in Co-op Live also closes a loop for Styles, whose first job was delivering newspapers for a Co-op store as a teenager.
Styles will also be actively involved in the development of the project, working alongside OVG’s UK and international team, led by Tim Leiweke. Co-op Live will be purpose-built for music, with an interior bowl that elevates both the artist and fan experience. From the largest standing floor capacity in the UK to a range of premium tickets, the arena, designed as the most sustainable arena in Europe, will provide fair financial opportunities for artists while offering fans access to tickets at a wide, and accessible, range of prices.
Styles said, “I’m incredibly proud and excited to be partnering with OVG on their plans for Co-op Live. Manchester is an incredible city, filled with incredible people, and I couldn’t be happier being involved in this project. It very much feels like coming home.” He added, “I was drawn to this project on every level, from the opportunities it brings to the contribution it will make to the city, and most importantly, that it will allow even more live music to thrive in Manchester. It’s just another sign that this amazing city continues to grow.”
Francesca Bodie, OVG’s President of Business Development, said, “At OVG our vision is driven by a unique view that puts fans and artists first in every decision we make. There’s no artist in the world right now better placed than Harry to advise us on delivering a first-class experience for visitors and artists at Co-op Live.”
Co-op Live represents a £350m (about $456 million) private investment in Manchester and will generate 3,500 jobs during construction, and support another 1,000 jobs during operation.
