News / mickey zogg's
Pub and home of independent radio station saved from redevelopment
An independent radio station has raised enough money to save its home from redevelopment.
Noods Radio co-directors Leon Pattrick and Jack Machin said the fundraising success is down to the “overwhelming” support of people in Bristol backing the city’s cultural scene.
They launched a crowdfunding campaign in May to raise the deposit to buy the station’s headquarters and their “local pub and creative hub” in St Paul’s, Mickey Zoggs.
is needed now More than ever
It came after being given an ultimatum by the landlord who said the venue would need to relocate if Noods did not buy it at the end of their lease.
Now, after raising £70,000, the pair can buy the building on Surrey Street so it stays in the hands of the community and “remains a space to serve the city”.
Mickey Zoggs opened in 2021 in the former Surrey Vaults pub – photo: Betty Woolerton
Pattrick and Machin set up Noods Radio from the front room of their shared house on Cheltenham Road in 2015.
Standing outside their bright green pub on a recent morning, the pair spoke of their pride at being able to hold on to the home of their radio station thanks to the support of 1,578 people.
Machin said: “We are really proud to be a part of a music scene that takes care of the culture.
“It was really heartwarming to see it all come through.
Pattrick went on: “Especially as it was at the same month as the Jamaica Street Studios crowdfunder. Not going to lie, when we saw that, we were like: fuck. Bad timing. But then there’s never a good time.
“It’s amazing to see that two things like this can happen in the city at once and also how much money can be raised to keep these spaces for the community.”
Also in June, Jamaica Street Studios successfully launched a fundraiser to buy the building to ensure it could continue to provide affordable studio space for local artists.
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Looking to the future, the plan for Mickey Zoggs is to first complete the legal process of purchasing the building.
Then the team would like to improve the space, including upgrading the toilets and making it “more modular as a music space”.
All of the candidates on the ballot paper for Bristol Central are due to take part in Bristol24/7’s hustings at the Bristol Beacon on Monday, July 1. For those unable to attend in person, the event will be livestreamed via the Bristol24/7 YouTube channel from 7pm. If you want to ask a question, please email editor@bristol247.com
All photos: Betty Woolerton
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