Falling debris, broken hand dryers and Harry Styles: inside the Co-op Live arena’s nightmare launch

The opening of the Co-op Live arena in Manchester has to be one of the most disastrous in recent memory, as the 23,500-capacity venue has been plagued by falling air conditioning units, postponed shows and resignations.

Several gigs have been rescheduled after the arena – which counts British pop star Harry Styles among its biggest investors – was beset by technical issues, including performances by comedian Peter Kay and US rock band The Black Keys.

Last week, Gary Roden quit as general manager amid the chaos, while also coming under heavy criticism for suggesting that some small venues were “poorly run” and insisting that a proposed £1 ticket levy to help support them was “too simplistic”.

In the latest incident, a component of the heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system fell from the ceiling, prompting the venue’s managers to postpone further performances by rapper A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie and pop star Olivia Rodrigo.

So what exactly is going on at Manchester’s embattled Co-op Arena?

When was the Co-op Live arena announced and who’s involved?

Plans for the