Fatboy Slim invests in Brighton venue The Pipeline under community ownership scheme

Fatboy Slim is among the investors who have secured the future of Brighton music venue The Pipeline through a community ownership deal.

The venue, which originally opened in East London in 2009 before relocating to Brighton in 2017, has been acquired by Music Venue Properties (MVP), a Charitable Community Benefit Society. The purchase was made under the Music Venue Trust‘s Own Our Venues scheme, an initiative designed to buy the freeholds of grassroots music spaces and protect them from commercial pressures.

How the Own Our Venues model works

MVP functions as a “National Trust for music venues,” taking buildings into community ownership to guarantee affordable rents and long-term security. The model aims to prevent closures driven by rising property costs or redevelopment, ensuring venues can continue serving their local music scenes.

Investor and operator statements

Brighton-based Norman Cook, known as Fatboy Slim, confirmed his involvement and encouraged other artists and public figures to contribute. “Our thriving music business needs grassroots venues,” Cook said. “Community ownership means they pay fair rent and have security, knowing their venue will not suddenly be turned into a block of flats. MVP is an ethical investment that protects venues but also has a sound business model.”

He added: “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. It’s not a donation, it’s an investment in the future of our wonderful music industry.”

Thomas Evrenos, operator of The Pipeline, said: “I’m very proud that Music Venue Properties chose The Pipeline to become part of its portfolio. Everyone here is really happy about this, not just the team at The Pipeline but the wider Brighton music community, our staff, regulars and the musicians who have made this place what it is.”

He continued: “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.”