Brighton's Pipeline music venue secured through community ownership
Fatboy Slim invests in "The National Trust for Music Venues"
Brighton's renowned Pipeline music venue has secured permanent community ownership, thanks to an initiative supported by Prime Minister Andy Burnham.
More than 2,500 investors, including Burnham, have backed Music Venue Properties (MVP), which aims to acquire buildings housing grassroots music venues for long-term stability.
The initiative's latest acquisition ensures the Pipeline is protected from commercial property market uncertainties and can continue serving Brighton's music community for future generations.
MVP praised the Pipeline for fostering emerging artists and providing a vital platform for live music in Brighton's independent scene.
With community ownership in place, the venue now has the stability to continue supporting artists, audiences, and the city's music ecosystem far into the future.
DJ and producer Norman Cook, known professionally as Fatboy Slim and a long-time Brighton resident, has also invested in Music Venue Properties.
Cook encouraged musicians and music fans to support the organisation, stating, "Our thriving music business needs grassroots venues. The next Coldplay or Radiohead need places to hone their skills and find their audience."
He noted the financial struggles of grassroots venues and stressed the security community ownership provides, preventing venues from being repurposed unfavourably.
Cook described MVP as an "ethical investment" that offers protection alongside a sustainable business model, urging others to invest in the future of music venues.
Other musicians, such as Squeeze's Glenn Tilbrook and singer-songwriter Katie Melua, have also invested.
Since its launch in 2022, MVP has amassed approximately £7 million through community investments and partnerships with cultural organisations.
Prior acquisitions by MVP have included venues such as The Snug in Atherton, The Ferret in Preston, Le Pub in Newport, and several others across the UK, demonstrating their commitment to safeguarding the cultural spaces of communities nationwide.