Co-op Live arena says Elbow will play opening gig after inspection

The troubled new Co-op Live arena has said it has completed an inspection that should allow it to finally open after a string of problems and delays. The Manchester venue was forced to postpone its launch for a third time at the last minute last week after part of the ventilation system became detached. A statement said it was "satisfied" with the result of the inspection, which found it was an "isolated" fault. Rock band Elbow are now due to open the UK's biggest indoor arena on Tuesday. Comedian Peter Kay was originally due to open the venue, which will hold up to 23,500 people, on 23 April. But his shows were postponed twice because the building wasn't ready, with issues including power supply and emergency communications.Its third attempt at opening came on 1 May with a visit by US rapper A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie. However, that concert was called off as thousands of his fans waited outside following an incident during the soundcheck when "a component of HVAC [heating, ventilation and air conditioning] system, used to direct air, separated from the ductwork".