Inside Electric Sheffield as £2m renovations to former Leadmill building continue

Artists impressions of a new Sheffield live music venue have been released as £2m renovations to the former Leadmill site continue.

Electric Studios is set to open in spring 2026 with the iconic building boasting an increased capacity, redesigned layout, and new audio and lighting systems for “world-class sound and visual experiences”.

It will be the latest venture for Electric Group, which also have venues in Brixton, Bristol, and Newcastle.

Electric Group’s head of music Mike Weller called the Sheffield venue “one of the most exciting projects” he’s been involved in and that it was “built on our demonstrable passion and success in delivering an eclectic mix of live music, club, and wider events across our venues”.

Setting out his vision for the future, he said: “I hope to collaborate with the best in the business, from local and up-and-coming future stars, to established and international teams and artists, in the mission to make this venue a must-book and must-attend destination for promoters, producers, performers and music fans.”

The independent music company purchased the building in 2017, with previous tenants The Leadmill leaving in June this year having lost an eviction notice appeal.

Other renovations include new toilets and cloakrooms, as well as having space for 1,050 people for live gigs and 1,450 people for club nights.

Artist’s impression of Room 1 (Credit Design at Source / Electric Studios Sheffield)

There will also be a collaborative workspace, rehearsal room, communal area, and kitchen to support the next generation of Sheffield’s music scene.

Most Read

Three couples were together at MAFS UK 2025 reunion, but their statuses are very different now

‘It was love’: Reiss admits he got back with his ex after split from MAFS UK bride Leisha

Confirmed: Every Selling Sunset agent who definitely will or won’t return for a season 10

Dominic Madden, co-founder of Electric Group said: “Having discussed the ethos of the original Leadmill cooperative with the founders of the Leadmill Arts Cooperative, the one thing that resonated with me was their demonstrable success in providing opportunity to young people at the time.

“We can now step up and provide support to young creative Sheffielders at the start of their journey.”

He added that the group aims to respect “the cultural significance of the building” and keep artists and fans “front and centre” of the plans.

“Work here so far is creating over 100 jobs, as it is being finalised for opening next Spring when we look forward to welcoming music lovers to the latest addition to the Electric circuit of special music venues.”

Plans submitted to and approved by Sheffield City Council show proposals for Electric Sheffield written in white lettering on the building’s gable end, with an illuminated vertical sign at the front of the building reading ELECTRIC in red lettering.

Alan Deadman, Founder of Tramlines Festival and original member of the Leadmill Arts Cooperative, spoke of his hope for the venue’s future, saying: “There’s a cyclical thing… Just as the Leadmill venue was a very powerful stimulus in 1980 in the morale of the creative community, the Electric Studios will do that again.”

Featured image from Design at Source / Electric Studios Sheffield