Bristol's Exchange launches appeal to save venue

Bristol's Exchange aims to raise £250,000 by selling community shares to prevent its doors closing for good.

Taking to Twitter, those at the Exchange believe "Community ownership is the future".

Live music is in trouble and we think Community ownership is the answer. We plan to raise £250,000 by selling shares and becoming Bristol's first Community owned Music Venue. Join us - Buy a share, become a co-owner of Exchange Bristol. #saveexchange https://t.co/wJjLX6Vrar

— Exchange Bristol (@exchangebristol) August 13, 2018

The campaign states that "Every investor will become a co-owner of Exchange", meaning contributors to the appeal will have a say in the venue's future. The statement adds, "We'll be able to invest in upgrading the venue and keep its grassroots character as a place where bands, gig-goers and promoters have the freedom to try new things and be creative."

While the Exchange is the latest venue under threat from closure, the iconic Thekla boat venue in Bristol was also in jeopardy of closing last year due to a planned residential development. The Fleece was also previously under threat from a proposed residential plan back in 2014, and has more recently struggled to keep up with the increase in business rates.