Fatboy Slim backs landmark community ownership milestone as Music Venue Properties secures The Pipeline in Brighton

The announcement is being celebrated with the support of MVP investor Norman Cook (Fatboy Slim), who joined the team at the venue to mark the achievement and champion the importance of protecting the UK’s grassroots music ecosystem in an interview with BBC News and celebrating with a secret DJ set.

VWV, led by commercial property solicitor Sam Winter Alsop, advised MVP throughout the acquisition. This included managing the property transaction, conducting due diligence, and navigating the complexities of purchasing a live music venue. Our support ensured the freehold could be transferred smoothly into community ownership, giving MVP the confidence and clarity needed to complete its tenth venue purchase.

Like many grassroots venues across the UK, The Pipeline faced the instability of the commercial property market from short leases, rising costs and the constant threat of redevelopment or sale. These pressures put independent grassroots venues at risk, limiting their ability to plan future shows for emerging talent or invest in their infrastructure.

The Pipeline is now permanently protected through community ownership. For operator Thomas Evrenos and his team, this means long term stability, freedom from commercial property pressures. It also means they can focus entirely on programming, nurturing new talent and strengthening the community that has grown around the venue.

For MVP, reaching 10 secured venues is a landmark achievement and proof that its ownership model works and is delivering real, lasting impact. With more venues already in the pipeline, this milestone marks both celebration and momentum for MVP to become the “national trust of music venues”.

Matthew Otridge, COO of Music Venue Properties, has commented: "We’ve worked with Sam on a number of transactions over the past couple of years, and he’s become someone we really value working with. He’s always been honest, knowledgeable and easy to deal with, but what really stands out is how passionate he is about supporting the GMV sector. We’ve built a relationship where we’ve both learned from each other over the years, and that’s made every project stronger. His support and guidance were a big part of securing The Pipeline in Brighton, and we’re looking forward to continuing to work together as we grow.

Sam Winter-Alsop, Associate, says: "Securing The Pipeline is a powerful example of what community ownership can achieve. Grassroots music venues are under real pressure, and helping Music Venue Properties protect a space that means so much to Brighton’s creative community has been a privilege. This acquisition gives the venue long term stability and ensures it can continue supporting emerging artists for years to come. It is a pleasure to work with MVP to assist them to acquire and therefore protect grassroots music venues."