Sheffield music venue The Leadmill ordered to leave iconic building after appeal denied

Sheffield’s The Leadmill has been ordered to vacate its iconic premises within three months after losing its appeal against an eviction ruling.

The venue lost its legal battle against landlord Electric Group in February, with the dispute having been ongoing since operators were handed an eviction notice in 2022.

Their subsequent appeal against the decision was rejected at the Court of Appeal yesterday.

In a statement yesterday evening, The Leadmill said it was “devastated” by the outcome and that more than 70 jobs were at risk.

It added: “This is a heartbreaking moment not just for our team but for the entire Sheffield community.

“We’ve fought tirelessly to protect this independent venue which has supported countless artists, musicians, and creatives for over four decades. Today’s decision feels like a betrayal of the cultural fabric of our city.”

With regards to the future of The Leadmill, it said that the efforts put into stopping the eviction would carry them “into the next chapter, whatever form it may take.”

The statement continued: “We are devastated, but not defeated. This is not the end of The Leadmill’s spirit – it’s a call to action for everyone who believes in the importance of independent culture. We will regroup, rebuild, and continue.”

It also announced plans to hold several “very special farewell events” over the coming weeks.

While no immediate change to the programme events, ticket holders have been advised there are plans to move shows to other venues around the city and that they will be contacted “in due course”.

The Leadmill opened in 1980, and has since hosted acts such as Coldplay, The Killers, and Arctic Monkeys.

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Liam Gallagher – frontman of Oasis, who have also performed at the venue – has been among those reacting to the news, calling it “scandalous”.

A spokesperson for Electric Group – which also owns live music venues in Brixton, Bristol, and Newcastle – said: “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.”

Featured image via Google Maps