The Climate Pledge joins forces with Co-op Live to launch redeveloped ‘CityLink’ walking route in Manchester

Co-op Live, the UK’s largest live entertainment arena, today announces The Climate Pledge as its official sustainability partner, and as the presenting partner of the ‘CityLink’ walking route from Holt Town to the Etihad Campus, which is home to Co-op Live and the Etihad Stadium.

In tandem, Co-op Live has signed The Climate Pledge, committing to be net-zero carbon by 2040, reinforcing its dedication to being the most sustainable venue in Europe. Encouraging as many fans as possible to walk to the venue is a central part of Co-op Live’s commitment to sustainability.

The ‘CityLink Presented by The Climate Pledge’ walking route will reimagine fans’ journeys from the city centre to the Etihad Campus, and marks more than £4 million of regenerative investment in East Manchester, delivered in partnership with Manchester City Football Club and Manchester City Council.

‘CityLink’ will become a tourist destination in its own right, with the walking route set against a backdrop of colour-changing signage and designs, artwork by renowned local creatives, and an interactive pathway which includes sound and visual elements, creating a sense of excitement for fans and enhancing people’s journeys to and from the Etihad Campus.

As part of the walkway, The Climate Pledge Arch will tally the number of fans who walk to and from the venue, in turn calculating the amount of carbon avoided thanks to people making the journey on foot. The route is covered by CCTV and on event days stewards will help to ensure people’s safety. 

Rebecca Kane Burton, Interim General Manager, Co-op Live, said: “We are excited to be partnering with celebrated sustainability champions The Climate Pledge on such a vital part of Co-op Live’s journey. The new ‘CityLink’ demonstrates our commitment to people and planet, to Manchester and the whole of the UK, and to leading global change. No arena in Europe is doing what we are doing, and this partnership clearly exemplifies our drive.”  

Sally Fouts, Global Lead for The Climate Pledge, said: "It's great to see Co-op Live prioritise sustainability and we're proud The Climate Pledge can help get more fans to the campus while reducing their carbon footprint. We’re focused on bringing industries together and finding solutions to get to net-zero carbon faster. Around the world, sustainability can and should be at the heart of the fan experience."

Tim Leiweke, CEO of Oak View Group, said: "Co-op Live’s partnership with The Climate Pledge is the next step in Oak View Group’s continued global commitment to sustainability, as we encourage our wider partners to join the Pledge, and our fans and artists to join us in our mission. Alongside The Climate Pledge, Co-op Live is dedicated to giving back to the natural world. We’re focussed on becoming the most sustainable venue in Europe, and that’s in part thanks to the regenerated CityLink walking route."  

The Climate Pledge represents a commitment to accelerated joint action, collaboration and responsible change to reach net-zero carbon emissions by 2040. 

Co-founded in 2019 by Amazon and Global Optimism, 500 organisations globally have signed up to The Climate Pledge, and are working together across industries – including the entertainment industry – to find and scale climate solutions. 

The Climate Pledge is already the naming-rights partner for Seattle’s Climate Pledge Arena, which is the first arena in the world to achieve International Living Future Institute’s Zero Carbon Certification. Climate Pledge Arena is owned and operated by Co-op Live joint-venture partner, Oak View Group.   

Co-op Live places people and planet first. The venue will be the UK’s first and only 100% electric arena, powered entirely by renewable energy. Among its wider sustainability commitments, the site will also feature rainwater harvesting technology and reusable cups to significantly reduce plastic across the site.