Entertainment firm looking to open major music venues in Manchester and Liverpool
A firm which specialises in major live music events is looking to open venues in Manchester and Liverpool.
Business property advisor Christie & Co has been taken on by the Electric Group to acquire multiple sites for its live music and events concept across the UK.
Electric Group is an independent and privately-owned music venue company which operates from some of the most iconic live music and club venues in the UK including Electric Brixton and SWX in Bristol with a further site in Newcastle due to open in 2021.
The firm is joint venture between founder Dominic Madden and River Island owner the Lewis Family.
“We operate with an independent mindset, shaping an easy and collaborative culture for promoters with as few financial strings attached as possible,” said Electric Group co-founder Dominic Madden.
“Having invested substantially to make the venue production complete we are focused on providing a perfect platform for shows so we can help promoters smash ticket sales.”
Christie & Co are looking for venues in Glasgow and Edinburgh, Leeds, Manchester and Liverpool, Leicester, Cardiff, Southampton and Brighton as well as further premises in London which will complement the company’s existing operation in the capital.
Suitable properties could include, nightclubs, theatres, performance venues, bingo halls, cinemas, churches as well as existing live music venues.
A minimum of 18,000 – 20,000 sq ft of floor area is needed with the ability to accommodate around 1,200 people for live performances.
Both freehold and leasehold properties can be considered.
Electric Group chief executive and co-founder Dominic Madden added: “Very little can compare to the thrill of a live gig.
“With our extensive experience in the music and entertainment business and with sound financial backing from the Lewis family, we are committed to growing our business around the UK in key city centres.
“We want to be in locations that have a thriving music scene as well as a ‘going out’ culture.”
Jon Patrick, head of leisure and development at Christie & Co is leading the acquisition drive.
He said: “We are delighted to be assisting Electric Group with their business development plans and have seen considerable growth in live music and merchandising over the last decade as audiences have changed the way in which they access music.
“They are looking increasingly for immersive and ‘one of a kind’ opportunities, looking to hear their favourite and up and coming bands and artists in more accessible venues, before they hit the arena tour schedules – this shift presents a fantastic opportunity for Electric Group in the market.”
