Music co-op to re-open after securing £100k

A music co-operative in north Lancashire will re-open after being closed for six years following the award of a £90,000 grant.

Lancaster Music Co-op's (LMC) building on Lodge Street was forced to close in 2021 after the building was declared unsafe.

Initial repairs worth £1.2m were funded by grants and a community fundraising campaign, but an extra £100,000 was needed.

The money has now been secured through the Arts Council England grant, which was dependent upon £10,000 in match-funding the co-op has raised "thanks to the generosity of the local community".

The co-operative signed a 99-year lease with the city council in 2023 after agreeing to take on the work needed.

The grant will fund the final build phases, which will see all works completed and include completition of rehearsal and recording rooms, the office, and all finishing works.

LMC was founded in 1985 with the likes of Maximo Park drummer Tom English, former James keyboard player Mark Hunter and The Prodigy playing there.

A wide range of musicians have used the LMC's facilities to rehearse and record since it was started when a group of students at Lancaster University who were unable to find anywhere to practice opened up their studios.

Director, Holly Blackwell, said: "We just can't wait to get the music co-op back up and running again.

"It's been years of constant graft to get back open, but we will never give up on this place. It means too much to too many people.

"Being in bands is important to people round here. It's a means of escape from normal life. The music co-op keeps the alternative dream alive."

Lancaster and Wyre MP, Cat Smith, said: "I know how much hard work, determination and dedication the co-op's directors and supporters have put into getting this project over the line, and I'm so pleased that their efforts have paid off.

"Lancaster Music Co-op is a vital part of our grassroots music scene."

The newly-refurbished facility - expected to open in June 2027 - will include five rehearsal rooms and a small recording studio, with scope to develop the upstairs area, dependent on raising further funding.

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