Harry Styles Investing In New Manchester, England Arena, ‘Co-op Live’

Harry Styles is investing in Co-op Live, the arena being planned in his hometown Manchester, which is set to be one of the largest indoor venues in the United Kingdom.

“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,” Styles has said.

Leading the arena’s construction effort is Oak View Group, an international development and management company for sports and live entertainment.

“[Styles] will take more than just a capital interest, he will also be actively involved in the development of the project,” OVG has announced. “[He] will work alongside OVG’s UK and international team on delivering world-leading experiences at Co-op Live, with a particular focus on fans, unique premium and hospitality areas, and artist spaces.”

Francesca Bodie, OVG’s president of business development, said that the company chose Styles as a partner because he’ll be able to help provide a first-class experience for both artists and their audience.

“At OVG our vision is driven by a unique view that puts fans and artists first in every decision we make,” said Bodie. “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.”

For Styles, there is also a sentimental aspect to helping with the area, as he worked for a Co-op store before getting famous, and first auditioned for X-Factor (the show that put him in the public eye) in Manchester.

“Manchester is an incredible city, filled with incredible people, and I couldn’t be happier being involved in this project,” Styles said. “It very much feels like coming home.”

Construction will start on Manchester City Football Club’s Etihad Campus in November, and should generate 3,500 jobs. Once the arena opens up in a few years, it will generate 1,000 jobs, as well as £1 million towards charity annually via its partnership with Co-op. The arena will help Greater Manchester’s recovery from COVID-19, as the local economy has taken a hit from being under Tier 3 coronavirus restrictions.