Builders working diligently' to get £365m venue ready

THE builders of the new Co-op Live arena say they are 'working diligently' to complete works amid the latest crisis to hit the as-yet-to-open venue.

The situation is being 'monitored closely' by city bigwigs after the opening of the £365m venue was pulled at the very last minute for a third time on Wednesday night.

Bosses revealed that a nozzle from the ventilation and air conditioning system fell to the ground from the ceiling shortly before the event. No one was injured, but the venue management decided to pull the plug on the performance from Bronx rapper A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie.

Fans were left queing outside just minutes before doors were due to open for the gig. Staff and fans were seen in tears outside the venue after bosses announced they would need to 'leave the area' after the cancellation.

The 23,500-capacity venue will be the biggest indoor area in Europe when it does officially open its doors.

Nicki Minaj, The Eagles, Barry Manilow and Eric Clapton are all due to play the arena in coming weeks, but so far only a test event by Rick Astley has gone ahead.

After the Boogie cancellation, Arena bosses announced that Olivia Rodrigo's shows tonight and tomorrow were also being pulled as a result of the incident.

The main contractor for the arena, the construction firm BAM, said yesterday: "The safety of fans and staff is our number one priority.