Co-op Live has announced Bristol Street Motors as its latest founding partner ahead of its opening in 2023.
The partnership will see the vehicle dealership become the Official Motor Retailer and auto partner for the venue, with exclusive naming rights to a 4,000-capacity space inside Co-op Live now known as ‘The Street’. The partnership will also see Bristol Street Motors provide electric vehicles for what is planned to be the UK’s first all-electric arena.
The Street, which will have a 22m long bar and vibrant food market, will be an area where fans are able to meet before and after the show. It will be the largest point of entry to Co-op Live and is designed to become a destination in its own right.
Bristol Street Motors will have branding and marketing rights in The Street, including being able to showcase vehicles and use the space for its own events.
Co-op Live will collaborate with the brand to drive digital engagement, including with marketing through the venue website, a pioneering app, external LED screens, and social channels.
Jessica Koravos, co-chair of OVG International, said: “We’re on track to open Co-op Live in 2023, and we’ve already assembled a really impressive team of partners, with Bristol Street Motors the latest to join. The project is gaining real momentum and I’m looking forward to working together with all our partners to create a truly global venue in Manchester.”
In October this year, it was revealed that Diageo will be the official drinks partner, with Guinness becoming the venue’s Official Beer Partner and Diageo’s full portfolio of spirits as Co-op Live’s Official Drinks partners. The venue is backed by investors, Oak View Group, City Football Group and international superstar Harry Styles.
Bristol Street Motors have agreed to provide a number of co-branded electric vehicles for use by artists, guests, and executive staff to serve the venue’s transportation needs sustainably. The arena itself will use electricity for everything from air-source heat pumps for heating and domestic hot water through to cooling and catering, and so the EVs supplied by Bristol Street Motors will work as a continuation of Co-op Live’s vision.
Robert Forrester, chief executive of Bristol Street Motors, said: “As the nation’s first all-electric arena, we’re thrilled that Bristol Street Motors is a Founding Partner of Co-op Live, especially as the electric vehicle market continues to grow.
“It’s fantastic that the electric vehicles we’ll be supplying will help facilitate the arena’s sustainable day-to-day activity, working towards building a planet-friendly venue as well as one capable of hosting the world’s best events.
“This extensive partnership allows Bristol Street Motors to work with the arena and its sustainability vision, particularly as we move towards the EV era and providing our future customers with the very best expertise, advice and support when they come to purchase one.”
