Preserving Southampton’s The Joiners and Bristol’s The Croft: National Trust of Venues Steps In Through Music Venue Properties

News">
November 6, 2024

Beloved Music Venues Saved From Closure in Landmark Preservation Effort

Southampton’s The Joiners and Bristol’s The Croft are among the latest beneficiaries of a novel programme designed to secure the future of the United Kingdom’s vital grassroots music ecosystem. A collaborative effort spearheaded by Music Venue Properties is ensuring these cultural hubs remain accessible for generations to come.

The “National Trust for Venues” Model Gains Momentum

Launched in May 2022, the initiative, often referred to as “The National Trust, but for venues,” has raised nearly £4 million through donations and investments. This fund is used to acquire venues, offering them a “cultural lease” that guarantees their operation as live music spaces for the local community. The program provides crucial protection against property progress and financial instability, threats that loom large over independent venues. According to a 2023 report by the Music Venue Trust,around two venues are closing each week in the UK due to these pressures.

A Growing List of Protected Venues

The Joiners and The Croft join a growing list of venues already secured by the scheme. These include The Snug in Atherton, The Ferret in Preston, The Bunkhouse in swansea, Le Pub in Newport, and The Booking Hall in Dover. each venue represents a crucial link in the chain of emerging musical talent.

The Joiners and The Croft hold particular meaning, having hosted early performances by globally renowned artists such as Arctic Monkeys, Ed Sheeran, Coldplay, Oasis, and contemporary acts like IDLES and Wet Leg. Their preservation is not merely about saving buildings; it’s about upholding the foundation of the music industry.

Industry Support and Community Investment

The campaign has garnered support from prominent figures in the music world, including Ed Sheeran, who has publicly endorsed the initiative. Over 2,000 music fans have directly invested in the scheme,alongside industry leaders like Marshall Amplification’s Terry Marshall,singer-songwriter Katie Melua,and Squeeze co-founder Glenn Tilbrook.

“We must do everything we can to ensure that these buildings are protected from development and the venues safeguarded for generations to come,” stated Glenn Tilbrook, emphasizing the importance of these spaces for both emerging artists and community cultural life.

Artists celebrate Preservation Efforts

Frank Turner, who credits The Joiners with providing an early stage for his career, lauded the Music Venue Trust’s efforts. IDLES frontman Joe Talbot echoed this sentiment, describing The Croft as a “birthplace of revolution” and praising the community-driven investment.

Venue	Location	Date Secured
The Snug	Atherton	October 2023
The Ferret	Preston	Recent
The Bunkhouse	Swansea	Recent
Le Pub	Newport	Recent
The Booking Hall	Dover	Recent
The Joiners	Southampton	November 2024
The Croft	Bristol	November 2024

Ongoing Campaign and Future Goals

The Own Our Venues campaign is currently 82 percent of the way towards its £1.5 million goal to secure seven additional venues: Esquires in Bedford,The Sugarmill in Stoke-on-Trent,Peggy’s Skylight in Nottingham,The Pipeline in Brighton,Northern Guitars in Leeds,Gut Level in Sheffield,and Little Buildings in Newcastle. Donations are being accepted through Crowdfunder until November 14.

The Fragile State of Grassroots Music Venues

The challenges facing grassroots venues are multifaceted, extending beyond mere financial difficulties. Increasing operating costs, stringent licensing regulations, and competition from larger entertainment enterprises all contribute to the precarious position of these spaces. recent actions by artists like Coldplay, Sam Fender, and Katy Perry, who are implementing ticket levies to support live music, demonstrate a growing awareness of the issue and a willingness to contribute to enduring solutions.

Frequently Asked Questions About Music Venue Preservation

• What is the Music Venue Trust? The Music venue Trust is a registered charity that aims to protect, preserve and promote the UK’s grassroots music venues.
• How does the “Own Our Venues” campaign work? The campaign allows individuals to invest in a community share scheme, directly contributing to the purchase of venues and securing their long-term future.
• Why are grassroots music venues critically important? These venues provide crucial platforms for emerging artists, foster local communities, and contribute substantially to the cultural landscape.
• What threats do grassroots venues face? Common threats include rising property values, financial instability, and restrictive licensing regulations.
• How can I support the campaign? You can invest through the Own Our Venues Community Share Offer, available at https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/own-our-venues.

Will this initiative spark a broader movement to protect the UK’s cultural spaces? And what further steps can be taken to ensure the long-term viability of grassroots music venues?

Share your thoughts in the comments below and help amplify this vital cause!

What are the primary factors contributing to the closure of independent music venues in the UK?

the Growing Crisis facing Independent Music Venues

The UK’s vibrant live music scene is under threat.Rising operating costs, increased competition from larger venues, and the pressures of city center progress are forcing many beloved independent venues to close their doors. This isn’t just a loss for music fans; it’s a blow to the cultural fabric of our towns and cities, and a significant impediment to emerging artists. Terms like “grassroots music venues,” “live music spaces,” and “independent venues” are frequently searched as concern grows.The Joiners in Southampton and The Croft in Bristol,both vital hubs for new talent,recently faced this very predicament.

Music Venue Properties: A New Model for Preservation

Enter Music Venue Properties (MVP),a not-for-profit organisation aiming to secure the long-term future of culturally significant grassroots music venues. MVP operates on a unique community ownership model, acquiring the freehold of venues and leasing them back to experienced operators. This removes the financial burden of rent and property ownership, allowing venue managers to focus on what they do best: hosting incredible gigs and supporting artists. This innovative approach is gaining traction as a key solution to “venue preservation.”

The Joiners: A Southampton institution Saved

The Joiners, a 270-capacity venue in Southampton, has hosted early performances from acts like Radiohead, Coldplay, and Florence + The Machine. Facing escalating rent and the threat of redevelopment, its future was uncertain. In October 2023, MVP acquired the freehold of The Joiners, securing its future for generations to come.

* Key Benefits for The Joiners:

* Elimination of rent increases.

* Financial stability for long-term planning.

* Community ownership fostering local support.

* Focus on artist development and live music programming.

This success story demonstrates the power of the MVP model and provides a blueprint for saving other at-risk venues. The Joiners continues to operate under the same management, ensuring continuity for artists and fans. Searches for “Southampton music venues” and “The Joiners gig guide” are expected to remain high, now with added reassurance about the venue’s longevity.

The Croft: Bristol’s DIY Spirit Protected

Similarly, The Croft in Bristol, known for its fiercely independent spirit and dedication to showcasing emerging talent, was facing an uncertain future. This 150-capacity venue has been a breeding ground for option and underground music for decades.MVP completed the acquisition of The Croft in November 2024, mirroring the success seen at The Joiners.

* The Croft’s Unique Position:

* A vital space for DIY and experimental music.

* Strong community ties and a loyal fanbase.

* A platform for underrepresented artists.

* A key component of Bristol’s thriving music ecosystem.

The acquisition ensures The Croft can continue to provide a platform for artists who might not find opportunities elsewhere. Searches related to “Bristol live music” and “the Croft events” will benefit from the increased stability and visibility.

How the MVP Model Works: A Deeper Dive

the MVP model isn’t simply about buying venues. It’s a carefully structured process designed for sustainability and community involvement.

1. Venue Identification: MVP identifies venues facing significant risk.
2. Community Share Offer: A community share offer is launched, allowing fans, local businesses, and music lovers to invest in the venue’s future.
3. Freehold Acquisition: Funds raised are used to purchase the freehold of the property.
4. Leaseback Agreement: A long-term, affordable lease is agreed with the existing operator.
5. Community Oversight: A community benefit society oversees the venue, ensuring it remains true to its values.

This structure ensures that the venues are run for the community, by the community.the term “community-owned venues” is becoming increasingly prominent in discussions about music venue preservation.

The National Trust Analogy: Protecting Cultural Heritage

The comparison to the National Trust is deliberate. Just as the National Trust preserves historic buildings and landscapes, MVP aims to safeguard culturally significant music venues. These venues aren’t just bricks and mortar; they’re living, breathing spaces that contribute to our national identity. The concept of a “national Trust of Venues” is gaining momentum, reflecting a growing recognition of the importance of protecting these spaces.

Beyond The joiners and The Croft: The Future of MVP

MVP has a growing portfolio of venues and is actively seeking to support others across the UK. They are currently exploring opportunities in cities like Leeds, Newcastle, and manchester. The organisation relies on community investment and philanthropic support to expand its reach.

* How to Support MVP:

* Invest in community share offers.

* Donate to the organisation.

* Spread awareness about the MVP model