Leadmill in Sheffield May Relocate if Evicted

Venue Moving Possibilities

Iconic Sheffield venue The Leadmill may relocate if faced with eviction, as stated by a company director.

Legal Challenges and Future Plans

The venue has been at risk since 2022 after the building’s owners issued an eviction notice, leading to widespread concern from the music community and concert attendees. Leadmill’s legal team is currently contesting the decision, claiming it breaches multiple laws.

According to BBC, Phil Mills, the sole director of the company, stated during an eviction hearing at Leeds Business and Property Court that establishing a new venue in the city is “possible.”

Mills noted that the option to relocate is currently “hypothetical” and represents “Plan B or Plan C.” He emphasized that “Plan A” is to succeed in the current legal matter and continue operations.

Building Developments and Community Support

Electric Group, the owners of the 900-bed building, served Leadmill Ltd with an eviction notice in March 2022. Leadmill Ltd holds the trademark for the establishment’s name, allowing any new venue in a different location to continue using the original name and branding.

However, Mills expressed that the new location for The Leadmill may “not necessarily” remain in Sheffield. He commented, “If we found suitable premises in Sheffield, we would effectively be competing with ourselves as The Leadmill’s name and heritage are indivisible in the minds of our customers.”

Mills further added that Electric Group’s boss, Mr. Dominic Madden, has stated that the venue will always be referred to as The Leadmill, likening it to Old Trafford’s enduring legacy.

Earlier this week, Electric Group boss Dominic Madden accused his tenant of presenting “absurdly overcooked” renovation cost estimates.

The hearings are ongoing.

Local news outlet Sheffield Star reports that a new proposal has been submitted to partially demolish The Leadmill to enhance the “visual character of the area.” This proposal is currently awaiting approval, with Sheffield City Council planners tasked to reach a decision by February 3.

Having opened in 1980, the independent venue has hosted renowned bands like Coldplay and The Stone Roses.

After the eviction notice was served in 2022, former Labor leader Jeremy Corbyn visited The Leadmill and encouraged supporters to “stand by it.” He echoed the feelings of many locals, describing it as the “heart of the city,” alongside prominent Sheffield artists like Arctic Monkeys, Jarvis Cocker, and Bring Me The Horizon’s Oli Sykes, who have voiced their support for the venue.