We've secured our 10th venue – welcome to The Pipeline

Today marks the purchase of MVP's tenth venue, The Pipeline, a staple of the Brighton independent music scene. The venue is now permanently protected through community ownership.

Open since 2017, The Pipeline has built a reputation for championing emerging artists and providing an essential platform for live music in one of the UK's most vibrant musical cities.  With the building now held in community ownership, the venue has the stability to continue supporting artists, audiences and the city's wider music ecosystem long into the future. 

Speaking about the purchase, the venue’s operator Thomas Evrenos said

"The Pipeline has always been more than just a venue. It's a home for live music, emerging artists and the alternative community that has grown around it. I'm very proud that Music Venue Properties chose The Pipeline to become part of its portfolio. Everyone here is really happy about this, not just the team at The Pipeline but the wider Brighton music community, our staff, regulars and the musicians who have made this place what it is.

"Knowing the building is now secured means we can focus on what matters most: putting on great shows, supporting grassroots talent and giving people a place to belong. Community ownership has given this venue a future, protecting it from the uncertainty of the commercial property market and ensuring The Pipeline can continue to play its part in Brighton's music scene for years to come."  

DJ, producer and long-time Brighton resident Norman Cook aka Fatboy Slim, who has invested in Music Venue Properties himself, is encouraging fellow musicians, music fans and investors to support the organisation, invest in community shares and help secure the future of the UK's grassroots music venues. Cook said: 

"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. 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." 

To find out more on how you can support our mission to secure grassroots venues visit our crowd funder.