CO-OP LIVE OPENS THE DOOR TO VERTU PLACE 

An exclusive list of guests were invited by Vertu, one of the UK’s largest car retail brands with a network of over 200 dealerships, to a mysterious ‘Secret Gig’ within Co-op Live, celebrating the unveiling of Vertu Place.

Vertu Place is the new name for what was known as ‘The Street’ in deference to Bristol Street Motors, with the Group having recently taken the decision to consolidate its three retail brands to operate under a single name; Vertu.

The exclusive relaunch party provided Vertu with the opportunity to show off the unique area; an expansive location where fans can come together both before and after seeing their favourite artist, act or entertainment.

Within Vertu Place, visitors to Co-op Live can enjoy a range of food options, and also enjoy refreshments from a 22-metre-long bar.

A unique sculpture that draws together Vertu’s involvement with the arena and its ongoing partnership with one of Britain’s leading racing teams – and which reflects the ever-changing Manchester music scene – serves as a talking point within Vertu Place and adds an additional layer to the fan experience for those attending events at Co-op Live going forwards.

With the addition of fresh branding providing a vibrant new look, guests attending the Secret Gig were treated to an exclusive sneak peek at Vertu Place ahead of its public debut this Wednesday.

The soundtrack to a first look at the next chapter in Co-op Live’s impact on the music and entertainment scene came from local group N-Trance, founded back in the early 1990s by Kevin O'Toole and Dale Longworth when they met at nearby Oldham College.

The group is best known for the single Set You Free as well as hugely popular covers of Rod Stewart’s Da Ya Think I’m Sexy and the Bee Gees hit Stayin’ Alive – both of which topped the charts internationally and were performed live during the launch of Vertu Place last night.

Guy Dunstan, General Manager and Senior Vice President, Co-op Live said: “As a founding partner since Co-op Live first opened, we are delighted to be working alongside Vertu as they launch this exciting new chapter.

“Vertu Place offers fans a unique space to enjoy pre, during and post-show, and with its rebrand, will further deliver an elevated fan experience to all attending Co-op Live’s world-leading events and performances.”

Robert Forrester, Chief Executive of Vertu, said: “As a founding partner of Co-op Live, we are hugely proud to have played our part in the early success of the venue, and as our business evolves, we are delighted to take the wraps off Vertu Place.

“As a focal point for visitors to Co-op Live, Vertu Place has been designed as a vibrant and welcoming destination in its own right, and the ‘Secret Gig’ was a fantastic way to show off the new look for the first time in a unique way.

“With a wide and varied range of events planned at Co-op Live in the future, we look forward to welcoming fans to Vertu Place and further enhancing their whole experience of visiting the arena.”

N-Trance said: “As a local band, we have witnessed first-hand how the Manchester music scene has evolved, with so many iconic bands having performed at so many famous venues through the years.

“We’re honoured to have been asked to perform The Secret Gig in Vertu Place, which will be a key part of the fan experience at Co-op Live, and it is great that so many people will now be coming to Manchester in the future to see their favourite acts.”