Co-op Live Launches Canalside café and bar on Etihad Campus
Introducing Canalside, a new multi-use café and bar opening to the public from Monday 15 September 2025, 8am-2pm.
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, also home to Manchester City Football Club – strengthening East Manchester’s role as one of the city’s most vibrant visitor destinations.
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 catchups and leisurely 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 the perfect meeting place exclusively for ticket holders heading into Co-op Live. On select dates, Co-op Live will also be opening its doors to their east section for access to added facilities, including to 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 and corporate gatherings, making it a hub for both the local community and visiting fans.
Designed in harmony with the striking exterior of Co-op Live, 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, giving fans the early chance to pick up exclusive items ahead of the performance.
The opening of Canalside reflects Co-op Live’s commitment to community, versatility and creativity. More than just a venue, it offers a new social space for Manchester – a place where fans, locals and visitors alike can connect.
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.”
Roel de Vries, Group Chief Operating Officer for City Football Group, said: “Canalside is the latest addition to the arena and the Etihad Campus and as joint venture partners in Co-op Live we’re delighted to see the opening of a space that local residents and visitors can enjoy during the week.
“From the space you get fantastic views across to the £300 million Etihad Stadium development, which will be completed next year. We’re excited about this next evolution of the campus and look forward to welcoming people 365-days a year.”
Click here for more information about Canalside, including private booking enquiries.