Co-op Live launches new canalside bar & cafe

Co-op Live has announced the official opening of Canalside, a new multi-use cafe and bar.

Set against the backdrop of Manchester’s canal and located on the south terrace immediately adjacent to Co-op Live, Canalside is the latest addition to the growing Etihad Campus.

By day, Canalside will be a welcoming café, serving fresh coffee and locally sourced bites in a relaxed, family-friendly environment ideal for co-working, coffee and lunches. Parking is available free of charge on non-event days, and Canalside includes free Wi-Fi and ample plug points. A 25p discount is also available for those with reusable cups.

By night on event days, it transforms into a buzzing bar, creating a meeting place exclusively for ticket holders heading into Co-op Live. On select dates, Co-op Live will also be opening its doors to its east section for access to added facilities, including Co-op’s Canalside concession.

Beyond Canalside’s café and bar offering, the 4000 sq ft space doubles as a versatile venue available for private celebrations, creative workshops.

The two-floor space features indoor and outdoor seating, including a part-covered terrace on both levels, as well as full accessibility with lifts and ramps, and dog-friendly access. With capacity for around 500 guests, the venue also houses a merchandise shop on event days.

Sustainability has been central to the design and delivery of the Canalside development. The main build was constructed using upscaled one-use shipping containers, sourced locally in Manchester after only a single export crossing, helping to minimise transport requirements.

Waste generated on site has been carefully managed, with build waste separated into category-specific skips and collected for recycling. General waste is collected and hand-sorted on site by Zero Waste to ensure as much material as possible is diverted from landfill. All crew working on the project were based within two to three miles of the site and either shared transport or cycled, further reducing the carbon footprint.

Wherever possible, natural resources have been preserved and reused. Four trees removed during the enabling works were carefully kept, maintained, and will be re-potted and incorporated into the final design. Timbers and metalwork reclaimed during construction are being repurposed into planters and a handrail extension, while any new timber purchased has full FSC certification. Even the decking has been designed with longevity and responsibility in mind, partially constructed with recycled plastics.

Guy Dunstan, Senior Vice President and General Manager at Co-op Live, commented: “The opening of Canalside marks the next chapter in the growth of the Etihad Campus. We are proud to create a space that blends community, creativity and connection – and adds something new to Manchester’s vibrant social scene, while also continuing to enhance the experience for our ticket holders.”