Manchester Arena is working "extremely hard" towards its planned September re-opening, according to the latest statement issued by the venue.
It is hoped that the SMG Europe-operated venue, which has been closed since the May 22 terror attack, will re-open for John Legend's concert on September 16. All subsequent events scheduled for the arena have either been cancelled or moved to other venues.
"The renovation work has now started in the main public area outside the arena and we are working extremely hard to ensure our re-opening in early September," said the statement, which was posted on the arena's website. "We will continue to keep you informed as much as possible on our official re-opening date and up and coming show information. We still have some great events for 2017 and of course 2018.
"We also want to express our thanks to all those who have contacted us with their kind wishes and support. Our ongoing thoughts and prayers still remain with all those affected by the atrocity that happened."
Artists including Metallica, Phil Collins, Depeche Mode, Jamiroquai and Little Mix are all due to play the venue before the end of 2017.
