Grassroots venue becomes the tenth UK music space protected by the “National Trust for Music Venues”
Brighton, Thursday 23 July 2026 — Brighton grassroots music venue The Pipeline has been brought into permanent community ownership, protecting it from redevelopment and rising commercial rents.
Music Venue Properties has completed the purchase through its Own Our Venues campaign, making The Pipeline the tenth UK venue secured by the community-led organisation.
Brighton-based DJ and producer Norman Cook, better known as Fatboy Slim, has invested in the scheme and is urging other successful artists, music fans and ethical investors to help protect the venues where future talent is discovered.
The acquisition means The Pipeline’s building will no longer be exposed to the uncertainties of the commercial property market. Its operators will instead receive long-term security and a fair rental arrangement, allowing them to concentrate on live music rather than the threat of closure.
Music Venue Properties has been described as the “National Trust for Music Venues” because it purchases the buildings occupied by independent venues and holds them for the benefit of local communities.
A permanent home for Brighton’s alternative music scene
The Pipeline has become an important part of Brighton’s independent and alternative music community, providing a stage for emerging artists and a meeting place for audiences often overlooked by larger venues.
Venue operator Thomas Evrenos said the purchase had secured more than a building.
“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.”
He added that the acquisition would allow the team to plan for the future without the constant uncertainty faced by many grassroots venues.
“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.”
Fatboy Slim urges artists to give something back
Cook recently visited The Pipeline to discuss the role smaller venues play in supporting the UK’s wider music industry.
The DJ, who has maintained close links with Brighton throughout his career, said major artists depend on the network of clubs, pubs and small stages where performers first develop their sound and build an audience.
“Our thriving music business needs grassroots venues. The next Coldplay or Radiohead need places to hone their skills and find their audience.”
Cook said independent venues remained particularly vulnerable to rising costs, insecure leases and landlords seeking more profitable uses for their properties.
“Community ownership means they pay fair rent and have security, knowing their venue will not suddenly be turned into a block of flats.”
He described his contribution as an investment rather than a donation and called on other musicians who had benefited from grassroots venues to support the campaign.
“I have invested a substantial sum and I am proud to be able to help protect the nurturing environments for future musicians and DJs.
“I urge anyone to join me, whether you are a 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.”
Ten venues now protected
The Pipeline joins nine other venues acquired through the Own Our Venues campaign:
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, Music Venue Properties says it has raised around £7 million through community investment and support from cultural partners.
More than 2,500 people have invested in the organisation, including musicians and leading figures from across the British music industry. It has also secured £1 million from the government’s Creative Foundations Fund to finance repairs and improvements across its growing portfolio.
The acquisition comes as grassroots venues across the country continue to face pressure from increasing operating costs, redevelopment threats and changes in audience behaviour.
For Brighton, the purchase ensures that one of the city’s independent stages will remain part of its cultural landscape—not simply until the next lease expires, but for generations.
Music Venue Properties is continuing to identify other buildings that could be brought into community ownership.
Further information about the campaign and community investment is available at musicvenueproperties.com.
