​Sheffield venue The Leadmill denied eviction appeal following years-long legal battle

Sheffield’s longest-running music venue The Leadmill has been served a final eviction notice after its last appeal was denied, they’ve confirmed in a new statement.

The venue issued an update yesterday, May 14, following a years-long legal battle with property owners Electric Group, who first served current tenants The Leadmill Ltd with an eviction notice in March 2022.

A lengthy campaign then ensued in an attempt to save the venue from closure, which was backed by the likes of Jarvis Cocker and other artists, but culminated in late 2024 with a court battle where judge Sir Alastair Norris ruled in favour of Electric Group.

In February, the current tenants were asked to vacate the premises, but submitted a legal appeal to remain. Now, after losing that appeal, the venue has been given just 21 days to vacate.

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The Leadmill, which has been operating under that name for 45 years, said in a statement: “The ruling means we must vacate the premises within the next three months, marking the end of an era for a venue that has been a cornerstone of the city’s cultural life since 1980.”

The team said that the news was “extremely sad”, but thanked everyone who has supported the venue over its many years in operation. “We will never forget what you've done for this business and its super talented & dedicated staff,” they said.

“Despite overwhelming public support, high profile backing from artists, and a hard fought campaign to save The Leadmill, the legal challenge was sadly unsuccessful. The decision allows our landlord to proceed with plans to take over the empty building and will result in the loss of 70 jobs.”

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In 2017, the building was purchased as a freehold by Electric Group, who then registered the name Electric Sheffield and proposed a plan to run the business themselves.

If The Leadmill is to close at its current site, the property is likely to be renamed under owners Electric Group, the BBC previously reported, with plans to rename the venue to SK 35.

“We are devastated but not defeated,” the venue said. “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.”

Read the full statement from Leadmill below.

Gemma Ross is Mixmag's Associate Digital Editor, follow her on Twitter