Two grassroots music venues to be protected

The Joiners in Southampton has been purchased under the Own Our Venues initiative

Two grassroots music venues will be protected from closure after coming into community ownership.

Music Venue Properties (MVP) announced the purchase of The Joiners in Southampton and The Croft in Bristol under its Own Our Venues initiative, supported by Arts Council England.

More than 2,000 people have bought shares in the scheme - including Marshall Amplification's Terry Marshall and his wife Lesley, singer-songwriter Katie Melua, and Squeeze frontman Glenn Tilbrook - which has raised about £4m so far.

The campaign has now got seven venues in its portfolio.

It was set up by the Music Venue Trust, with the aim of removing venues from vulnerable leases by purchasing the freehold of the buildings and placing them into community ownership.

MVP says it will ensure fair rents and provide annual contributions toward maintenance, describing itself as a "supportive and benevolent landlord".

Ricky Bates, venue operator at The Joiners, said: "We want to thank every single person who has bought a share in the scheme and ensured The Joiners' future.

"As one of the most important live music venues ever to exist in the UK this is a win for all independent live music across the globe.

"With this now in place we will be here for another 60 years and potentially forever."

Singer-songwriter Frank Turner added: "I grew up going to, and later playing, shows at the Joiners Arms, and I simply would not be doing what I do today without that space, and spaces like it."

The Croft in Bristol has also been acquired by Music Venue Properties

Marc Griffiths at World Famous Dive Bars, which runs The Croft, said the venue had recently reopened but its future was "still very uncertain".

"Now, with MVP as the landlord, we know that this legendary venue will be part of Bristol's unique music ecosystem for generations to come," he said.

IDLES frontman Joe Talbot said: "What a dream to have an institution of creative and social combustion be taken back by the community.

"I am excited for our city and its people to celebrate and witness an example of positive investment in the community, by the community whose ideas and art can help us connect and change the world.

"That sounds dramatic but it's the grassroots venues that are the birthplace of revolution."

Dr Claire Mera-Nelson, director of music at Arts Council England, called both live spaces "legendary touring venues that have launched the careers of our most treasured musical artists".

"We're looking forward to them continuing to provide outstanding experiences for artists and audiences for many years to come," she said.

The Croft's future was "very uncertain" before being granted protected status

The Joiners and The Croft have joined The Snug in Atherton, The Ferret in Preston, Le Pub in Newport, The Bunkhouse in Swansea, and The Booking Hall in Dover under permanent community ownership.

Matt Otridge, chief operating officer at Own Our Venues, said: "The purchase and securing of The Joiners and The Croft, two iconic buildings that have launched international careers and sit at the heart of their communities, marks a historic milestone for Music Venue Properties.

"With these additions, seven grassroots music venues across the country are now permanently protected for further generations and it proves the power of community ownership."

Venue operator Ricky Bates said The Joiners could now last "another 60 years and potentially forever"

Next in the sights of the Own Our Venues crowdfunder are 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.

The community share offer opened in May and closes on 14 November.