Singer Harry Styles has pledged to invest cash into Manchester’s new arena, Co-op Live.
Plans for the indoor music and sports venue next to Manchester City’s Etihad Stadium were given the green light by the council’s planning committee last month.
The singer’s first job was delivering newspapers for a Co-op store as a teenager and said he is investing in the venue to help the rebirth of Manchester.
Harry, 26, was born in Holmes Chapel, Cheshire, but feels passionate about investing in the project because he regards Manchester as a second home after spending lots of time there.
He says he will not only invest money in the project but also get involved in its development, reports the Manchester Evening News.
Harry has revealed he has invested in Co-op Live in Manchester, a short drive from his Cheshire home (Image: Getty Images)
Co-op Live is being created as part of a sponsorship deal between OVG and the member-owned, Manchester-based Co-Operative Group, founded in the city in 1863.
Speaking about his business venture, the Golden hitmaker 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.
Co-op Live will become the biggest indoor arena in the UK
“It very much feels like coming home.”
The singer-turned-actor went on to say: “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.”
The singer will be hands-on in the development of the concert venue (Image: Getty Images)
Co-op Live is said to become the United Kingdom’s largest indoor concert venue, with a capacity of 23,500 – almost four thousand more than London’s O2 Arena.
American firm 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 the music venue opens its doors in 2023.
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.”
Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
