Sheffield venue The Leadmill denied latest eviction appeal, given three months to vacate building · News ⟋ RA
- It’s the latest update in a years-long conflict between the venue and its landlord Electric Group.
- Historic Sheffield music venue The Leadmill has three months to vacate its building of over 40 years after losing a recent eviction appeal.
Sharing the “extremely sad news” in a statement on May 14th, venue organisers confirmed that their latest appeal to property owners Electric Group had been denied. It’s the latest update in a years-long conflict between The Leadmill and Electric Group, who purchased the venue as a freehold in 2017 and first served it an eviction notice in 2022.
In 2023, a large-scale campaign to save the venue saw significant community backing, but ultimately fell short of its goal in 2024 when a judge ruled in favour of Electric Group’s notice. In February, the Sheffield Tribune reported that Electric Group CEO Dominic Madden intended to take over space and rebrand it as a new venue, SK 35.
“This is a heartbreaking moment not just for our team but for the entire Sheffield community. We’ve fought tirelessly to protect this independent venue which has supported countless artists, musicians and creatives for over four decades,” The Leadmill’s May 14th statement read. “Today’s decision feels like a betrayal of the cultural fabric of our city.”
Opened in 1980, The Leadmill is the longest-running music venue in Sheffield—it has played host to the likes of Gatecrasher, The Human League and Warp Records over the years. Venue organisers confirmed they plan to host a series of farewell events over the coming months, although a programme remains TBA.
“We’re devastated, but not defeated,” the statement concluded. “This is not the end of the Leadmill’s spirit—it’s a call to action for everyone who believes in the importance of independent culture. We will regroup, rebuild and continue.”
Read The Leadmill’s full statement.