Music Venue Properties (MVP) works to acquire buildings that house grassroots music venues and provide them with operators for long-term security, while also safeguarding the cultural spaces for their communities.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham has become the latest person to invest in the scheme, which has recently purchased The Pipeline in Brighton.
The acquisition now sees the venue secure permanent community ownership, protecting it from the “uncertainties of the commercial property market and ensuring it can continue serving Brighton’s music community for generations to come”.
A cornerstone of Brighton’s independent music scene, MVP has said The Pipeline built a reputation for championing emerging artists and provides an essential platform for live music.
With the building now held in community ownership, it has the stability to continue supporting artists, audiences, and the city’s wider music ecosystem “long into the future”.
DJ Fatboy Slim performing at The Pipeline in Brighton (Image: Lee London Photography/PA Wire)
DJ, producer, and long-time Brighton resident Norman Cook – known as stage name Fatboy Slim – has also invested in Music Venue Properties himself.
He has encouraged other musicians, music fans, and investors to support the organisation.
“Our thriving music business needs grassroots venues.
“The next Coldplay or Radiohead need places to hone their skills and find their audience.
“The grassroots venues continually struggle in the current financial climate, and landlords are not always their friend,” he said.
“Community ownership means they pay fair rent and have security, knowing their venue will not suddenly be turned into a block of flats.
“MVP is ethical investment that protects venues but also has a sound business model.
“I have invested a substantial sum and I am proud to be able to help protect the nurturing environments for future musicians & DJs.
“I urge anyone to join me, whether you are successful musician wanting to give something back to the lower rungs of the food chain or a music fan who wants to feel part of the wonderful community.
“It’s not a donation, it’s an investment in the future of our wonderful music industry.”
Other musicians to have invested also include Squeeze co-founder and frontman Glenn Tilbrook and singer-songwriter Katie Melua.
MVP has previously purchased The Snug in Atherton, The Ferret in Preston, Le Pub in Newport, The Bunkhouse in Swansea, The Booking Hall in Dover, The Croft in Bristol, The Joiners in Southampton, Northern Guitars in Leeds, and Gut Level in Sheffield.
Since launching in 2022, MVP has raised around £7 million through a combination of community investment and cultural partners.
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