By Joseph Timan & Joel Leaver
An update has been shared on the scheduled Olivia Rodrigo shows at the Co-op Live after a string of cancellations at the new venue.
It was announced just days ago that the comedian's two shows at the venue in Manchester, which has yet to officially open, had been postponed from this week until April 29 and 30. The shows, which were understood to have been planned to open the venue, have however since been pushed back again, with them now scheduled to take place on May 23 and 24.
Organisers shared that they have "been undertaking an extensive protocol of testing critical procedures to ensure all areas are ready for fans". They added that the postponement of Peter's show and a gig for the Black Keys have been rescheduled "to ensure that we can run all shows safely". It comes after capacity for a test event on the weekend was reduced with hours beforehand.
The news follows the resignation of executive director Gary Roden who left his position as general manager of the arena on Thursday. He stepped down following the news about the postponement of some shows and after comments about grassroots music venues to the BBC sparked outrage. Mr Roden faced criticism this week following his comments regarding a proposed £1 levy on arena tickets to support grassroots music venues. The BBC reported that Mr Roden deemed this solution as 'too simplistic', suggesting that some venues are poorly managed.
Tim Leiweke, who is the managing director at the Oak View Group, which the venue is part of, told the Manchester Evening News that he is confident that the arena will be ready for singer-songwriter Olivia's shows beginning on May 3. They come following a performance by Boogie Wit Da Hoodie planned for May 1, which is now believed to be the planned opening.
According to the outlet, Tim cited Brexit, Covid and rainfall for the delays to the construction of the venue, which is expected to be the largest indoor arena in Europe and reportedly has seating for 23,500 audience members.
It's been reported that the venue previously said that the issues that led to Peter's shows being postponed were related to the power. The Manchester Evening News states that one contractor that electricians were behind schedule, causing knock-on delays.
Asked about the delays, Tim told the outlet that he had "nothing but nice things to say" about the 10,000 people working on the project. He however said that a lead contractor was crying earlier this week, adding: "Because he felt he let us down."
He told the outlet: "I've got 10,000 people who've worked on this project. 10,000. A lot of people, emotionally, have put a lot into this. A lot of us have staked our careers, and our company on this. We have contingencies. We're not going to need it for Olivia [Rodrigo]. We will open up next Friday."
In a joint statement shared by the outlet, Manchester council, Greater Manchester Police, Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service, North West Ambulance Service said: "As a whole group we support the decision of Co-op Live to step down the event tomorrow, and we will continue to work together as they move to completion.
"We have discussed with the Co-op Live venue this week the actions that they needed to take ahead of their planned public opening and while a considerable amount of work has taken place, and learning taken from last week's test event, we all agree that there is more to complete before the venue can welcome audiences safely.
"Whilst we understand this will be disappointing, we cannot compromise on public safety. Our focus is, and always will be, the wellbeing of residents and visitors to our city. Following last Saturday's test event, where temporary mitigations were put in place, we were assured that our concerns about the venue would be addressed before a public opening. That work is continuing as they move to welcoming events with larger audience numbers.
"The elements outstanding include a fully tested emergency services communication system, and some remaining internal security systems, and fire safety measures. Work is progressing quickly in all of these areas, and all partners involved look forward to the venue being open and able to welcome guests safely once they are completed."
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