Fatboy Slim Backs Community Ownership Of Brighton Music Venue The Pipeline

One of Brighton's best-known grassroots music venues has been permanently protected after being bought by Music Venue Properties as part of its Own Our Venues initiative.

The acquisition means The Pipeline is now in community ownership, safeguarding it from the commercial property market and helping secure its future as a live music venue for years to come.

Music Venue Properties purchases buildings occupied by grassroots venues before leasing them back to operators on long-term agreements, giving them greater stability while preserving important cultural spaces.

The organisation has been described as the "National Trust for Music Venues".

The Pipeline has become a key part of Brighton's independent music scene, providing a platform for emerging artists and live performances in the city.

Venue operator Thomas Evrenos welcomed the move, saying it would allow the team to focus on supporting grassroots musicians and providing a home for Brighton's alternative music community.

He 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.

"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."

Among those backing the project is Brighton resident Fatboy Slim, who has invested in Music Venue Properties and is encouraging others to support the scheme.

The DJ and producer said grassroots venues are essential to the future of the music industry, giving new artists the opportunity to develop their careers before reaching larger audiences.

He added that community ownership gives venues long-term security while protecting them from redevelopment, describing his investment as "an investment in the future of our wonderful music industry."

The Pipeline becomes the tenth venue to be secured through the Own Our Venues programme, joining venues including The Joiners in Southampton, Le Pub in Newport and The Croft in Bristol.

Since launching in 2022, Music Venue Properties has raised around £7 million through community investment and support from organisations including Arts Council England and the UK Government.

More than 2,500 people have invested in the project, helping safeguard grassroots music venues across the country.