Boss of Manchester's new Co-Op Live Arena quits days before delayed opening
The boss of the new Co-op Live Arena has resigned after a number of issues delayed the opening of the venue and cancelled shows.
Gary Roden had come under fire in particular for his comments about grassroots music venues, arguing some of them were “poorly run” and insisting a proposed £1 ticket levy to preserve their future was “too simplistic”.
On the eve of a test show at the venue with Rick Astley headlining, Mr Roden told ITV Granada Reports he was confident they would open on time, only to be forced to postpone the opening less than 24 hours later.
But, the 23,500-capacity venue, which is now the largest arena in the UK, later postponed its opening night with just 24 hours notice after work failed to finish on time.
Gary Roden had said the venue 'would open on time' only to delay it within hours
Bolton-comedian Peter Kay was due to perform two shows at the 23,500 capacity Co-op Live Arena in Manchester, on Tuesday 23 April and Wednesday 24 April.
However, the gigs have been cancelled with less than a day to go after a test event on Saturday found issues with the power supply in certain parts of the venue.
The highly-anticipated show was set to act as the grand opening for the city's flagship new venue, the largest in the UK.
But just the day before, it has been announced that both shows have been cancelled with work not yet complete on the Eastlands venue.
The council's building control is also yet to sign the building off. Greater Manchester's emergency services had raised concerns prior to that decision.
Instead, Peter Kay will perform on Monday 29 and Tuesday 30 April, a week later than planned.
Organisers insisted they were “not embarrassed” by the postponements, saying they were now focused on “ensuring a consistent total power supply”.
Managing Director Tim Leiweke said: “I think it’s a source of commitment to safety and expectations and trying to make sure that when people come in the building we do it right. We have work to do this week, we’re not embarrassed by moving Peter Kay.”
Now, in a series of statements published on 25 April, Jessica Koravos, President of International at US-based venue operator Oak View Group (OVG), said Roden had “decided to resign”.
Jessica Koravos said: "Gary Roden has decided to resign. We'd like to thank Gary for his help bringing the UK's newest arena to live entertainment fans and wish him the best for the future.
"Rebecca Kane Burton has been named Interim GM, effective today. Rebecca is a seasoned veteran of venue management and live entertainment in the UK having served as VP/GM of The O2 from 2012-2016 and CEO of LW Theatres from 2016-2021.
"We are focused on opening Co-op Live."
In a separate statement she added: "Neither Co-op Live nor Oak View Group share the sentiment expressed by former Co-op Live General Manager Gary Roden regarding the grassroots industry.
"As OVG Chairman and CEO Tim Leiweke has repeatedly stated, Co-op Live remains committed to grassroots music in Manchester and beyond, including teaming up with Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham on the Artist of the Month campaign, and as a founding partner of Beyond The Music.
"Co-op Live also donates over £1m a year to the Co-op Foundation to support communities and empower young people to take social action through its new Young Gamechangers fund.
"Oak View Group and Co-op Live remain happy to meet with grassroots organisations once the venue is fully operational."
As OVG chairman and CEO Tim Leiweke has repeatedly stated, Co-op Live remains committed to grassroots music in Manchester and beyond.
He added that included teaming up with mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham on the Artist of the Month campaign, and as a founding partner of the Beyond The Music Festival.
"Co-op Live also donates over £1m a year to the Co-op Foundation to support communities and empower young people to take social action through its new Young Game Changers fund," he said.
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