Tag: lancaster music cooperative

Work started at the Lodge Street rehearsal and recording venue at the end of November, with the first phase expected to last up to 30 weeks.

The project will see a comprehensive renovation of the existing two-storey 19^th century warehouse and its adjoining cottage, with four brand new music rehearsal rooms, a state-of-the-art recording and control room, and a first-floor performance space.

It will also include restrooms, lounges, and waiting areas for musicians and visitors.

The project is being funded by Lancaster City Council, central government’s Community Ownership Fund, and Lancaster High Street Heritage Action Zone.

Additionally, Lancaster Musician’s Co-Operative (LMC) is collaborating with students from Lancaster University’s School of Architecture, who will be working with them to generate ideas for the creative re-use of the premises.

The designs are due to be unveiled later this year.

Carnforth based Duckett Building Services were chosen by the LMC team to carry out the first phase construction work, which involves re-roofing, some demolition, the removal of partitioned areas, and minor structural repairs.

Paul Healey, works manager for Duckett Building Services, said: “The aim is to transform these historic buildings into spaces that meet modern standards while preserving their architectural character and heritage value.

“Personally, and as a company, we are delighted to be involved in the restoration of such an iconic building.

“Although I have lived locally all my life, I was not aware of what it had to offer and the passion that all involved have towards the building is infectious.

“Anyone you speak to about the job always smiles about the memories they have and hopefully we can bring that back to them with the new, improved Music Co-Operative.”

After years of campaigning and fund-raising, LMC finally signed a new lease and funding agreement with Lancaster City Council, the building’s owner, in September.

A new LMC steering group, which includes recently appointed project manager Anthony Dickens, who will oversee the refurbishment, is now working with Lancaster City Council, Heritage Action Zone, and local consultants to ensure a bright future for the venue.

Anthony said: “The design will seamlessly blend the historical elements of the buildings with modern design and functionality to create an inspiring and creative environment for musicians and artists to collaborate and perform.

“The building already has a history of recording artists forming bands and creating long lasting friends from university and the surrounding area.

“Lancaster Music Co-Op is, and will once again be, integral to Lancaster’s cultural scene, which has a

huge impact on the local area and is a real source of value.”

Anthony said that once the refurbished LMC is fit for purpose, the team will seek to engage more partners and participants by employing a full-time worker whose remit will include community engagement.

He added: “Projects we already have in mind include volunteer mentorship for those starting out and from more established musicians, producers and sound engineers; studio tours to give an insight into the workings of the Music Co-op to dispel myths of exclusivity, and partnership meetings in the new communal space to promote cultural inclusivity and integration.”

Holly Blackwell, who has spearheaded the campaign to bring LMC back into use, said: “It’s amazing to see work finally start on repairing the building.

“We’ve worked for years to get to this stage so it’s a joyous feeling to now see it come to fruition.

“All of the old rehearsal rooms have now been demolished so it’s quite a surreal experience walking in there and seeing an empty shell of a factory building.

“We just can’t wait to see the work finished and the Music Co-op back up and running.”

We’ve been trying to get a long-term lease on the building for more than twenty years, so today we’re all absolutely joyous that finally we’ve secured the future of the Music Co-op for years to come.”

She added, “We’ve all worked so hard to bring this about and it just feels amazing to be able to finally start work on repairs to the building and getting it back up and running for all the bands and musicians across the Lancaster district and beyond, now and in the future.

We’ve still got lot of hard work ahead of us. But we’re up for it. Bring it on!”

Located on Lodge Street in the city since 1985, the Music Co-op has provided a safe, accessible and affordable space for musicians, from beginners to professionals, to rehearse and record. Sadly, over the years the heritage building deteriorated to the point where the cost of major structural repairs rendered the popular facility unusable and it was forced to temporarily close.  

Councillor Nick Wilkinson, cabinet member with responsibility for regeneration, skills and digital innovation, said: “For over 30 years Lancaster Music Co-op has been a vital resource for the city’s musicians. The signing of the lease agreement has been a long time coming and helps to ensure the future of the Co-op, placing the organisation on a secure footing so it can continue to play its important role in our cultural offer.”

Watch the video of the lease signing here:

Jayne McFadyen, from the cooperative’s steering group says, “We were really encouraged by the impressive number of strong applications that we received for this post and after a thorough selection process we were delighted to offer the role to Anthony. His many years of experience working in this sector, coupled with a genuine enthusiasm for the local music scene made him the perfect candidate.”  

She added, “We can’t wait to get working on the next phase of the Music Coop’s redevelopment with Anthony at the helm”.

The Lancaster Music Co-op have occupied 1 Lodge Street in the city since 1985, but over the years the building has deteriorated to the point where it needs major structural repairs. As a result, the Co-op had to move out and the building is temporarily closed.

In 2018 Lancaster City Council, owners of the building, passed a resolution which committed itself to undertaking repair work and to securing the Co-op’s future through a long-term lease but movement has been slow. 

Anthony is keen to see rapid progress and is already busy making headway. He said,“I’m thrilled to be working on this important project. As a lover of live music and as a lifelong supporter of the local scene I, like many other Lancastrians, value the importance of the Music Co-op and what it provides for the wider community. I’m really excited to be joining the team that will bring this essential facility back to life”.

Please join us in welcoming Anthony to the team!