THE BUNKHOUSE, a popular grassroots music venue in Swansea, has gained permanent protected status after being acquired by Music Venue Properties, part of the Music Venue Trust’s groundbreaking #OwnOurVenues initiative. This marks the first acquisition of a Welsh venue by the charity, which represents hundreds of grassroots music venues across the UK.
The Bunkhouse, which has a capacity of 235 and is located in the heart of Swansea city centre, faced an uncertain future when its building was put up for sale. Jordan McGuire, Director of The Bunkhouse, reflected on the challenging period: “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. It wasn’t just about potentially losing my business; it was about losing a home for the musicians, artists, and fans who have found their voice here.”
McGuire continued, “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. 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.”
The acquisition was made possible through the #OwnOurVenues scheme, which launched in 2022 as a crowdfunded initiative. So far, the project has raised nearly £2.6 million from over 1,200 individual investors and other funding sources.
The Bunkhouse’s operators have now signed a ‘cultural lease’ with Music Venue Properties. This innovative agreement ensures that, as long as the venue continues to serve as a space for grassroots live music within the local community, it will remain protected from the pressures of the commercial property market. This lease includes benefits such as reduced rent and contributions towards building repairs and insurance, offering the venue much-needed financial stability.
Mark Dayvd, CEO of Music Venue Trust, praised the significance of the acquisition, stating, “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!”
The acquisition of The Bunkhouse follows the successful purchases of The Snug in Atherton, Greater Manchester, in October 2023, and The Ferret in Preston in May 2024. Music Venue Properties has identified several other venues across the UK for future acquisition, continuing its mission to revolutionise the ownership of grassroots music venues.
Matthew Otridge, Chief Operating Officer of Music Venue Properties, highlighted the efforts behind the purchase: “After almost three years of hard work, I am thrilled that MVP has been able to move The Bunkhouse into community ownership. The road to the eventual purchase was complex and, at times, difficult, but from the start, it was clear just how important this venue is. It was never a question of if MVP would buy this venue, but how we would make the purchase happen.”
Otridge expressed his excitement for the future, adding, “I look forward to working with Jordan – who is a fantastic venue operator – in both supporting his current work and realising his ambitions for the future. I also want to thank Swansea City Council and Figurative for their support in making this a reality.”
The #OwnOurVenues initiative, often referred to as the National Trust for Grassroots Music Venues, addresses the many challenges faced by these cultural hubs. Currently, 93% of grassroots music venues (GMVs) are tenants, with the typical operator having only 18 months left on their lease. This insecurity has hindered long-term planning and led to issues such as gentrification, noise complaints, and underinvestment.
For more information or to invest in the #OwnOurVenues scheme, visit www.musicvenueproperties.com.
