Sheffield O2 Academy moves closer to reopening after planning application approved

Sheffield’s 02 Academy has moved closer to reopening after approval of a planning application to replace its roof.

The live music venue – situated on Arundel Gate – has been closed since 2023 due to part of the building’s roof containing “unstable” RAAC (Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete).

The material was the subject new government guidance at the time, as RAAC was revealed to be beyond its “estimated service life” and could be liable “collapse with little or no notice”.

Sheffield City Council granted approval to replace the roof on Thursday.

The initial application said the applicant hoped the replacement would enable the site to “re-open swiftly and return a vital business back to Sheffield city centre”.

It also added that it would allow the “progression and implementation” of neighboring entertainment and food venue STACK, which is under the same land ownership as the O2 Academy and received planning permission in March 2024.

The Sheffield Tab contacted Academy Music Group – the owners of Sheffield O2 Academy – for an estimated timeframe for its reopening. It said it did not yet have details to provide.

Since its refurbishment and rebrand as the O2 Academy in 2008, notable artists to have played at the venue include stars such as Rita Ora, Ellie Goulding, and The Prodigy.

Opened in 1968 as Top Rank, and from 1995 as The Roxy, the building has also seen the likes of David Bowie, The Police, and Kylie Minogue take to its stage.

Featured image from Google Maps