UK Property Forums partner Blandy & Blandy has advised the UK’s largest entertainment arena.
Co-op Live, a joint venture between Oak View Group and City Football Group, will hold 23,500 when it opens on April 23, on land opposite the Etihad Stadium in Manchester.
Blandy’s advised on the new venue’s premises licence, granted on March 1 by Manchester City Council, allowing regulated entertainment of all descriptions, the sale of alcohol and late night refreshment.
Blandy’s advice and input over an 18-month period included working with Co-op Live to draft and issue the application, liaising with the responsible authorities and preparing the client for a two-day hearing at which a rival venue opposed the application.
Sue Dowling, a partner at Blandys, who has advised many of the country’s notable stadia and arenas, including international and Premier League grounds and major music and live entertainment venues, said: “It has been a great pleasure to be involved in this premises licensing project from start to finish, with passionate clients determined to bring a first-class arena to Manchester.
“After considerable hard work from the whole team, as well as considerable support from those in the community and at the responsible authorities, the outcome from Manchester’s licensing sub-committee – a flexible premises licence to enable our client to operate Co-op Live to its maximum potential – was very well-deserved.”
Sonny Mallet, senior vice president, legal & business affairs for Oak View Group International, said: “Blandy & Blandy have been instrumental in helping us to secure our premises licence, supporting our application from the outset with speed, clarity, experience and professionalism.
“Our appreciation goes out to Sue Dowling and team for their dedication across the preparation, planning and hearing process. We are delighted to continue to move Co-op Live forward, and to open a venue set to sit among the world’s greats.”
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