Music co-op 'dream still alive' despite funding gap

A music co-operative has said it is "absolutely determined" to reopen its studio and rehearsal rooms despite having a £450,000 funding shortfall for repairs.

Lancaster Music Co-op (LMC) said it had been "left reeling" after discovering the amount needed for the interior refurbishment but said its "dream is still alive".

LMC was founded at the Lodge Street building in 1985 with the likes of Maximo Park drummer Tom English, former James keyboard player Mark Hunter and The Prodigy playing there before it was declared unsafe and shut in 2021.

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

It is a non-profit rehearsal facility and recording studio for the music community in Lancaster and the surrounding area.

Tom English said the co-op was "fundamental" to his development as a musician.

"There's no substitute for a place like the co-op: it's a unique space to make noise with your friends; practice your craft; record; and meet other like-minded people," he said.

"It feeds directly into the cultural life of the area, and I sincerely hope we can raise the money needed for it to survive for generations to come."

LMC said external repairs were "well under way" thanks to fundraising and grants from the government Community Ownership Fund, the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, Lancaster High Street Heritage Action Zone and Lancaster City Council.

However, it has suffered a major setback with the news £450,000 was still needed to refurbish the interior of the premises.

Co-op director, Holly Blackwell, who is one-half of psychedelic punk duo, The Lovely Eggs, said: "We had no idea when we embarked on the external refurbishment that such strict and expensive building regulations would be in place for the internal refit.

"The original rehearsal rooms and studio in the co-op were built for less than £3,000 in the 1980s, and we were thinking around £100,000 would do it.

"We were shocked when we were told the likely cost."

However, she said the co-operative was "absolutely determined" to reopen next year.

"We have come so far over the last few years, overcoming so many setbacks and delays with the amazing support of the local community - there can be no turning back now," she said.

Fellow director Derek Meins said "one huge final fundraising push" was needed in the coming months, to "get over the line and restore the co-op to its rightful place at the heart of Lancaster’s music community in time for its 40th anniversary".

Alongside the fundraiser, the co-op has also launched a drive to recruit new volunteers.

It is staging an event at The Pub on China Street from 19:00 GMT until 21:00 on Thursday.

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