Today the music community can let out a sigh of relief at the latest news from the Music Venue Trust surrounding UK Grassroots Venues. Previously the statuses of hundreds of British Grassroots venues was hanging by a thread, but on 7th July 2020 the British government have said they “recognise the value of retaining cultural buildings such as Grassroots music venues” and will be kept safe amidst the new planning laws.
Consequential to the Coronavirus pandemic, it has been no secret that Grassroots music venues have been under serious threat. Music venues everywhere have reached out to the British Government for support throughout the coronavirus crisis, who until recently have remained silent on such pressing issues. However, the Music Venue Trust has now confirmed that UK Grassroots venues will no longer be at risk of “Project Speed”.
Created by the British Government, “Project Speed” is a new initiative that will allow vacant and redundant commercial buildings to be demolished by developers if the sites are rebuilt as residential homes. In preparation for the economic aftermath of Coronavirus, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson unveiled on the 30th June 2020 that “Project Speed” will also allow proposals for commercial buildings to immediately switch to housing without the previous appropriate planning permission.
After the MVT pleaded for elucidation from the government whether or not the new planning regulations will threaten our treasured music venues, and after further questioning from Welsh Labour MP Kevin Brennan, the UK Government Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) confirmed to the MVT that Grassroots venues will be safe.
The Music Venue Trust informed people of the good news on their official Twitter page today, writing that: “We are pleased to confirm that Grassroots Music Venues will not be included in amendments to the planning law under the proposed “Project Speed”. Thanks to @KevinBrennanMp for asking the question and @DCMS for the very clear answer”
In response to the Music Venue Trust, Minister of State for Health Caroline Dinenage replied to the post with the following statement: “We recognise the value of Grassroots music venues and understand that this sector is facing significant challenges due to the Coronavirus pandemic. During this period we are committed to finding the best ways to protect them so that they can continue to exist as a vital part of the music ecosystem.”
In light of the government’s announcement of a £1.7bn rescue fund towards the art industries, Mark Davyd, founder and CEO of the Music Venues Trust, spoke about the government’s upcoming financial support, stating that: “We’d like to thank the team at DCMS for the opportunity to work closely together throughout this crisis to develop genuine solutions to the challenges faced by Grassroots music venues.”
The Music Venue Trust also released a statement from Boris Johnson on their official website, where donations for the MVT can be made. Johnson maintains that “this money will ensure arts groups and venues across the UK can stay afloat and support their staff whilst their doors remain closed.”
Donations for the Music Venue Trust can be made here.
