URGENT UPDATE – Keep MelloMello

UPDATE – 20TH APRIL 2013

MelloMello has just released this statement, which you can find here.

To say that the support MelloMello has received this past fortnight is overwhelming would be an understatement. We have all been greatly touched, empowered and bolstered by not only the generous donations but also the resilient and positive attitude of all who have offered guidance, ideas and support.

Unfortunately, we have just been informed that our previously accepted offer has now been declined in favour of a new, higher offer. We do not know who has gazumped us, but we are now facing prices that we will not be able to negotiate given the current funds available to us.

Rob, Laura, Jo and Adam would like to stress that we will obviously do all we can to continue this fight, and that this slight set-back in the preferred flow of play does not signal an end or ultimate defeat; we will have to see what happens and what options become available to us.

As stated below, should we be ultimately unsuccesful in our initial aim of purchasing the building, we will use any money raised by this campaign to continue the business either in the current building under new landlords (should they allow us to stay) or somewhere new.

You can read our original article below.

Back in September 2012 when Slater Street’s independent MelloMello venue was threatened with closure we published a news item entitled ‘Save MelloMello – 10 ways to help‘, followed by an update a week later. Thanks to the hard work of the MelloMello crew, and the pressure placed on the council by the overwhelming level of public support, a way forward was worked out. The solution saw a Community Interest Company – MelloMello CIC – being formed to manage the not-for-profit and community elements of the building, with the council giving it a 12 month rates exemption. The commercial bar and food side of things has been registered separately and only this element is liable for rates charges.

The reason for this urgent update is that MelloMello CIC has been given the opportunity to buy the building from the current owners.

“That’s great!” we hear you shout.

However, they still need your help.

They already have £10,000 but need to raise an additional £30,000 by midnight on Friday 26th April to cover the deposit on the mortgage. As the information says, if all 10,000 people who signed last year’s petition were to donate just £3 each they’d reach their target.

How to help

1. Visit igg.me/at/mellomello and read all about the funding drive. There is a selection of perks to reward you for your kind donation, ranging from a MelloMello Badge (£5) all the way up to a Private “Lock In” Party (£2,500).
2. Follow the campaign on facebook at facebook.com/SaveMelloMello
3. Follow the campaign on twitter @SaveMelloMello
4. If you have any other ideas for raising funds email funding@mellomello.co.uk
5. Share this post and help spread the word

Here’s the full text of the email sent to everyone who signed the petition last year.

Keep MELLOMELLO!
http://igg.me/at/mellomello

Firstly, THANK-YOU so much for taking the time to sign and share our petition from last year! The overwhelming support which you helped generate for us ensured that we were listened to and taken seriously, it also resulted in us being able to secure a 12 month period of rates exemption for the parts of the building committed to the practice and creation of grassroots artistic and well-being endeavours. So, well-done and thank-you.

However, an opportunity has arisen for us to secure the MelloMello building once and for all – and we need the support of all the fantastic people who signed our petition to make it happen.

The iconic MelloMello building; home to Liverpool’s organically grown creative hub of artists, musicians, writers, film-makers, dancers and performers is a whisker away from being secured and saved forever.

The building is currently up for sale as part of the “Ropewalks Portfolio” with MelloMello CIC having recently had an offer for the purchase of the building accepted! Great news, right? Right! However, interest in the building is high and action needs to be swift if the community is to the prevent the building falling into the hands of commercial developers or corporations looking to turn the property into another chain bar or supermarket!

MelloMello now need your help in raising the deposit to secure a mortgage. The company have already secured £10,000.00 from friends and staff keen to see the building remain in the hands of those who resurrected it from its near derelict status five years ago, turning it into one of Liverpool’s most cherished independent cafe bars and venues with nothing more than hard graft and a dare to be different.

MelloMello have launched an Indiegogo campaign where anyone can donate any amount of money for the cause, with a number of eclectic, limited edition, specialised perks available for those who pledge certain amounts. For example donating £15 will get you a specially created MelloMello mug, whilst £40 will get you a limited edition Bido Lito bundle, £1,000 will get you a free pass to absolutely everything that goes on at MelloMello and £2,500 will get you your own catered private “lock in” in the bar! Go to igg.me/at/mellomello to donate and to check out the diverse list of rewards.

MelloMello have set the target at £30,000, based on the 10,000 people who signed their petition to save MelloMello last year donating £3 each. However, the more money raised the greater the chance of securing a mortgage and keeping MelloMello for good!

MelloMello is a registered Community Interest Company, a not-for-profit social enterprise committed to facilitating and promoting grassroots artistic endeavours. As well as the much loved vegetarian cafe, well-stocked bar and popular performance venue the MelloMello building also houses a music rehearsal and recording studio, artists’ studio space, Tilt Dance studio and the offices of local music & arts magazine Bido Lito! This is the community’s chance to put an end to the endless speculation around the future of the building and ensure that Liverpool keeps this unique, culturally enriching enterprise alive for years to come!

http://igg.me/at/mellomello

So help KEEP MELLOMELLO by donating or sharing the campaign!!

 

>>>

URGENT UPDATE – Keep MelloMello