Pop star Harry Styles has announced he is investing in the new £350m, 23,500-capacity Co-op Live arena in Manchester.
The venue, which will be built next to the Etihad Stadium, was given the green light in September and is due to open in 2023.
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, while a further 1,000 jobs will be created when it opens.
Harry Styles will take more than a capital interest as he will be actively involved in the project’s development , the arena said, and he is set to work alongside OVG’s UK and international team on delivering ‘world-leading’ experiences at Co-op Live.
While now a multi-award winning artist, Harry Styles’ first job was as a newspaper delivery boy for a Co-op store when he was a teenager.
He 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.
“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.”
She added: “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.”
