Iconic Sheffield venue The Leadmill denied eviction appeal

Following a three-year legal battle, beloved live music venue The Leadmill has had its eviction appeal denied and has been ordered to vacate the premises within the next three months, bringing the Sheffield mainstay's 45-year history to a close. 

The venue’s legal woes began in March 2022, when Electric Group, who purchased the building in 2017, served an eviction notice to the tenants set for 2023. The news caused outcry from several of Sheffield’s cultural figures, including the likes of Jarvis Cocker and Bring Me The Horizon’s Oli Sykes, and spurred on a hard-fought campaign to save the venue. The long-running legal battle culminated last December at the Business and Property Courts in Leeds, with the result in February ruling in favour of Electric Group. 

A cornerstone of Sheffield’s cultural life since 1980, The Leadmill has played host to generations of iconic acts, from city starlets like Def Leppard, Pulp, and Arctic Monkeys to stadium stirrers like Oasis, Coldplay, and many more. 

The news comes as a blow to the city’s independent live music scene, just months after underground electronic haven Hope Works’ closure in February. Despite its imminent closure, The Leadmill has announced plans to continue their programme of events at other venues throughout the city alongside a series of farewell events and celebrations, to be announced shortly. 

In a press statement, the venue stated, “We’re truly devastated by this outcome, but we also know hand on heart that we did everything possible to stop the Leadmill being evicted. We have poured our energy, time, love and determination into this fight and we’re immensely proud of our team and the community that stood by us. We walk forward with our heads held high, knowing we gave it our all. That strength and passion will carry us into the next chapter, whatever form it may take.”

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