The new owners of The Leadmill will try to replicate the famous “Leadmill” signs on the side of the famous music venue, new plans have revealed.
The Electric Group evicted the former owners of the legendary Sheffield music venue this year and has announced it will reopen the venue following a refurbishment in February 2026 under the name “Electric Sheffield”. Phil Mills, who ran The Leadmill, has promised to rip out every fixture and fitting in the building before he and his team must vacate the premises on August 14.
The Electric Group has said it will continue managing the building as a music venue. It already runs three other live music spaces in London, Bristol and Newcastle.
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The Electric Group has submitted a planning application for a new sign at The Leadmill -Credit:Sheffield City Council
Following the court ruling that Mr Mills and The Leadmill team would be evicted earlier this year, the Electric Group said in a statement: “The successful legal outcome paves the way for a bright future for this venue, ensuring it will receive the substantial investment it needs to thrive.
“It will continue to be a cornerstone of the live music scene in Sheffield, supporting artists, fans, and community projects for the next 100 years.”
And a planning application recently submitted has now provided the first glimpse of what that “bright future” might look like. The application, which was submitted on Tuesday, July 15, shows The Electric Group wants to erect an illuminated sign down the side of the building, spelling out “Electric” in a font and colour very similar to the famous bright red “The Leadmill” sign that has adorned the building for many years.
How the side of the building could look from Leadmill Road -Credit:Sheffield City Council
The application also shows the new owners want to have an “Electric Sheffield” sign above the entrance in Leadmill Road and install a new timber double door. It also includes plans to install a new steel double door on the reverse side of the building in Suffolk Road.
The Leadmill opened 45 years ago and Mr Mills maintained rights to the name. He has said he could open another venue and has continued to promote gigs across Sheffield at other venues under the “Leadmill” name.
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