YOUR caring, sharing Co-op knew who to turn to when it came to setting up a new landmark arena which will be launched in Manchester next month … a Thames Valley law firm.
Blandy & Blandy, which recently opened a new branch in Wokingham’s town centre, advised the team behind Co-op Live on its premises licence.
And this was no small beer: the arena has a 23,5000 capacity and is on the Ethiad Campus opposite Manchester City’s stadium. Artists who will perform there will include acts such as Take That and Nicki Minaj.
The launch event, on April 23, will see comedian Peter Kay make ‘em laugh.
The new venue is a joint venture between Oak View Group and City Football Group, and in order to be able to serve pints and other alcoholic refreshment, the teams turned to Blandy to liaise with Manchester City Council’s Licensing Authority.
Blandy & Blandy says it provided a significant level of advice and input over the last 18 months, including working with Co-op Live to draft and issue a comprehensive application; liaising with the Responsible Authorities and preparing Co-op Live for the two-day hearing, with coverage for the project ranging from BBC News and The Times to Rolling Stone and NME.
Sue Dowling, a partner at Blandy & Blandy, specialises in venue licensing and has advised in relation to many of the country’s most notable stadia and arenas, including international and Premier League grounds and major music and live entertainment venues.
“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,” she said.
“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 was a flexible Premises Licence to enable our clients to operate Co-op Live to its maximum potential. It was very well-deserved.”
Sonny Mallet, Senior Vice President – Legal & Business Affairs, 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.”
For more details, log on to: www.blandy.co.uk.
