Featured Image: Fontaines DC at The Bunkhouse
UK charity Music Venue Trust has announced the first acquisition of a Welsh venue by Music Venue Properties under the #ownourvenues scheme.
The Bunkhouse in Swansea is a 235-capacity live music venue, rehearsal space and photography studio. Following the purchase, the venue’s operators have signed a ‘cultural lease’ with Music Venue Properties which has been created to guarantee that, as long as The Bunkhouse operates as a space for grassroots live music, they can enjoy the use of the building.
Music Venue Properties is an independent Charitable Community Benefit Society (CCBS) which is supported by the #ownourvenues investment scheme, originally launched as a crowdfunding project in 2022. So far, some £2.6m (€3.1m/$3.5m) has been raised from more than 1,250 individual investors.
For this particular venue purchase, the campaign received support from Swansea Council and arts and culture-focused Figurative, formerly part of social charity Nesta.
The scheme announced its first purchase in October 2023 – The Snug, a 100-capacity venue in Atherton, Greater Manchester.
This was followed up with the acquisition of The Ferret, a 200-capacity venue in Preston. The venue has hosted international artists such as Ed Sheeran, IDLES, Alt-J, Royal Blood and more.
Welsh heavy metal rock band Bullet for My Valentine at The Bunkhouse
“The last few years have been a rollercoaster for The Bunkhouse and the music community in South West Wales. When the building went on the market, the threat of closure was very real, and it wasn’t just about potentially losing my business, it was about losing a home for the musicians, the artists, and the fans who have found their voice here,” commented Jordan McGuire, director of The Bunkhouse.
“The Bunkhouse has played a pivotal role in shaping the music scene in Wales, and the thought of it disappearing was heartbreaking for everyone. Now, with Music Venue Properties stepping in as our landlord, those fears have been laid to rest. The future looks bright.
“We can finally focus on continuing to develop the next generation of talent, knowing that The Bunkhouse is secure and will remain a cornerstone of Swansea’s music scene long after I’m gone. This partnership ensures that The Bunkhouse will continue to serve as a place where musicians can express themselves and music lovers can immerse themselves in the experience for generations to come. I’m incredibly excited for what’s ahead.”
Mark Davyd, chief executive of Music Venue Trust, added: “The Bunkhouse is the lynchpin venue for new and emerging artists in the Swansea scene. Jordan and his team have created an essential stop for any breaking band tour and it’s fantastic to see that work recognised and the future of this venue secured for decades to come. Long live Bunkhouse.”
While The Bunkhouse marks the third acquisition, further properties have been identified across the UK for purchase by Music Venue Properties through the #ownourvenues scheme.
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