The Future of The Leadmill
Iconic Sheffield venue The Leadmill mentioned that its future “hangs in the balance” following a court’s decision to postpone a ruling regarding its potential eviction.
- READ MORE: If Sheffield’s Leadmill – the venue that helped launch the Arctic Monkeys – disappears, we will all miss it.
The venue has faced difficulties since its owners, Electric Group, issued an eviction notice in March 2022, which generated significant backlash in the music community and among attendees.
Concerns Over Eviction
Electric Group, a partnership between Dominic Madden and Jacob Lewis which also operates London’s Electric Brixton and Bristol’s SWX, acquired the freehold of the venue in 2017 and claimed they had no plans to close it after the current lease expired.
However, management of the property contested this, stating they had been “devastated by the landlord.” In May, the 900-capacity venue achieved its first legal victory against the landlord, securing a hiatus to prepare new arguments and respond to additional evidence.
The subsequent stage of the trial occurred earlier this week at Leeds Property and Business Court, and as Leadmill confirmed in a series of X posts on Friday (December 20), the judgment was ultimately postponed.
— Leadmill (@Leadmill) December 20, 2024
“The fate of The Leadmill remains uncertain as the court delays ruling in a case that could set a critical precedent for independent venues across the UK,” they expressed.
Reflecting on the history that led to this moment, they noted: “It is important to highlight that no evidence was brought forward suggesting The Leadmill was ever under any threat until Electric Group itself created one.”
“Despite their public declarations, it has become increasingly clear throughout this process that Electric Group’s true aim is to exploit the goodwill, reputation, and trust developed by The Leadmill over 45 years of operation.”
“Can a landlord evict a tenant and profit from the reputation, public trust and goodwill that the tenant has built over decades?” they posited.
They continued by stating that they had “earned” their reputation through “hard work, careful curation, and public events,” emphasizing: “This case underscores a troubling precedent for cultural venues throughout the UK. If landlords can evict tenants and benefit from their hard-won reputations, it will jeopardize the existence of independent venues across the board.”
— Leadmill (@Leadmill) December 20, 2024
Referring to the Human Rights Act, which they assert “extends protection beyond physical property to intangible assets like goodwill,” they also cited the Landlord and Tenant Act, demanding it must “protect tenants from arbitrary or exploitative actions.”
They concluded: “For 45 years, Leadmill has been a cornerstone of Sheffield culture. It’s not just a building; this space is embodied by its people, its history, and the values it represents: supporting local artists and grassroots promoters, fostering community and creativity, and building a reputation for quality, trust, and inclusivity that audiences have relied upon.”
— Leadmill (@Leadmill) December 20, 2024
“The actions of Electric Group threaten to undermine that legacy, breaking the bond between the venue and the community that established its reputation.”
Leadmill management has previously issued a renewed call to fans for support following reports that landlords were advancing with eviction plans.
Dominic Madden from Electric Group reiterated intentions of “continuing to use the space as a music venue, focusing on a diverse array of concerts, club nights, and comedy happenings.”
Madden confirmed in a witness statement back in May that if eviction were successful, the premises would no longer bear the Leadmill name and all current staff would be substituted. He also stated that if successful, he would expel workshop users, terminating the tenancies of those still operating at The Leadmill.
Leadmill initiated the Battle for the Soul of Sheffield campaign last summer to garner support in its struggle for survival.
Since opening in 1980, it has hosted memorable performances by Arctic Monkeys, Kings Of Leon, and The Killers, and continues to be a favored destination for live music and clubbing.
After news broke of its potential closure in 2022, former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn visited The Leadmill, urging supporters to “stand by him.” He echoed the sentiments of many Sheffield inhabitants, labeling it the “heart of the city,” in alignment with the views expressed by Arctic Monkeys and Jarvis Cocker among the Sheffield artists who have shown their support for the venue.
Local musician Richard Hawley has been a long-time advocate for The Leadmill, performing several shows there throughout 2022 to raise funds and promote awareness. During some performances, he was joined on stage by fellow Sheffield artists Jarvis Cocker and Rebecca Taylor (aka Self Esteem).
Leadmill mentioned it could possibly relocate if evicted, referring to the plans as “hypothetical” and “Plan B or Plan C.”
In a conversation with NME last February about the venue’s legacy, Hawley expressed that those who built the venue over the years should continue to manage it under its original name.
“The troubling part is that if it were an unsuccessful business, I would recognize the need for someone to take over. But what frustrates me is that it’s no surprise that greedy individuals are purchasing the land below them. If they forced the staff out and transformed it into apartments, it would be an utter tragedy, but at least it would be easier to digest,” he noted.
“The reality is they essentially bought the land from beneath them, issued an eviction notice, and are planning to commandeer their business. To me, this is profoundly unethical. If I were managing a venue or even a diner, I would think, ‘Hold on, if they succeed here, who’s next?’ It’s simply wrong.”
https://www.nme.com/news/music/sheffield-leadmills-future-hangs-in-the-balance-as-judgment-deferred-3824277?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=sheffield-leadmills-future-hangs-in-the-balance-as-judgment-deferred
