Harry Styles has revealed he is investing in east Manchester's new £350m arena Co-op Live and said: "It very much feels like coming home."
The Holmes Chapel-raised singer's first job was delivering newspapers for a Co-op store as a teenager and he revealed he wanted to help the growth of Manchester, which he said he regards as his home town.
Plans for the indoor music and sports venue next to the Etihad Stadium were given the green light by the council's planning committee last month
The American firm behind, Oak View Group (OVG), hope to start building work next month, creating over 3,350 jobs during the three year construction phase.
A further 1,000 jobs will be created when it opens in 2023.
Now it has emerged the One Director star Harry Styles will invest in the venue, which will be called Co-op Live as part of a sponsorship deal between OVG and the member-owned, Manchester based Co-Operative Group, founded in the city in 1863.
He has confirmed he will not only invest money in the project but also get involved in its development.
Styles said: "I’m incredibly proud and excited to be partnering with OVG on their plans for Coop 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.
"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."
Co-op Live will be purpose-built for music and will be the UK's largest in-door arena.
Francesca Bodie, of OVG, 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.
"We’re focused on building one of the world’s best arenas in Manchester and Harry’s advice and consultation is going to be invaluable as we work to deliver that.
"Co-op Live represents a £350m private investment in Manchester and will generate 3,500 jobs during construction, providing a much-needed boost to the city’s economy.
"It will support a further 1,000 jobs during operation and bring more events to the city. The arena will be located on the Etihad Campus and has been designed as the most sustainable arena in Europe.
"The partnership with Co-op will see the venue generate at least £1m annually for good causes both locally in Manchester and across the UK."
