MUSIC lovers in the North East are being offered the chance to help direct the future of grassroots music in the region.

The Forum Music Centre, in Darlington, has announced plans to cement its status as one of County Durham’s premier local music hubs by putting its future in the hands of the community.

The grassroots venue has launched an initiative to let members of the public buy shares to help support its ongoing development, safeguard its existence, and influence its future direction.

Allison McKay, managing director, said: “The Forum is in a really good position these days. We’re running a good range of performances, activities, and services, we’re making a profit, we’ve got cash surpluses for emergencies – we’re doing okay.

“Now, our biggest concern is our building and facilities, which need significant improvements to ensure that The Forum is sustainable and can continue to deliver for the community well into the future.

“Opening up the share offer to the public means we can start to address some of these things, but it also means the people who best understand The Forum, and appreciate the value we offer, will have a real say in the direction we take. We are a community venue, so it’s very appealing to give community members the power and ability to do that.”

The funding will allow a variety of improvements to be made, referred to as “Phase One” by Allison, which will include:

  • Constructing a new custom-built carbon net zero recording studio

  • Building dedicated artist facilities and green room

  • Adding a roof garden to the new facility

  • Extending the kitchen and creating a new entrance

  • Installing solar panels

  • Erecting an accessible mezzanine in the main hall

The Forum previously faced closure in 2010, but thanks to careful management and community support, has since thrived as a cornerstone of live music in the North East, also staging comedy and film nights, offering rehearsal spaces and recording facilities, fostering young and up-and-coming musical talent, and more.

“We originally planned to do this some time ago, but with the Covid-19 pandemic, everything was delayed a bit,” Allison said, “but we’re really excited to have finally taken this exciting step!”

While the majority of the funding needed will be provided by Arts Council England, The Forum is required to contribute £50,000 to unlock the £404,000 grant. Allison and the team are confident the share offer – and a special fundraising raffle – will raise the necessary amount.

“We’ve got some truly rare pieces of music memorabilia up for grabs in the raffle,” explains Allison.

“The prizes have all been donated by our good friend, Peter Bulloch, and authenticated by Terry Kneeshaw. These include a recreation of the original poster for Jimi Hendrix’s legendary Darlington performance, plus memorabilia from the likes of Mark Knopfler  and Amy Winehouse.”

Any money raised above the target will be set aside to realise Phase Two of the renovation plan, which includes overhauling the venue’s heating system and replacing windows.

“It’s important we do this all the right way,” added Allison. “We’ve taken the time to prepare the share offer document and our business plan, and that’s all been approved. It means that our investors can rest easy knowing their money is being spent exactly how they expect it to be.”

Anyone aged over 18 can invest between £50 and £2,500 to become a shareholder with voting rights, while Under 25s can invest as little as £25.

The offer will be available until October 31st. Shares and raffle tickets can be purchased online at www.theforumonline.co.uk or in-person at The Forum, Borough Road, Darlington.