The Leadmill ‘denied eviction appeal’ and told to ‘vacate premises in three months’

The iconic Sheffield venue The Leadmill has been told it must “vacate the premises” in three months time after its eviction appeal was denied.

A post to The Leadmill’s Instagram page confirmed the tragic news, with the venue having lost its legal appeal after being handed an eviction notice by landlords Electric Group. The first order was given on March 31, 2022, and received pushback from Sheffield locals, members of the public, and artists who had played at the venue. Local legends Richard Hawley and Alex Turner of Arctic Monkeys, as well as comedian Phil Jupitus and Libertines frontman Pete Doherty, voiced their support for the venue at the time of its announced eviction attempt.

Despite playing host to decades of music culture, The Leadmill has been ordered to vacate the premises. A statement from the venue reads: “The Leadmill, one of Sheffield’s most beloved and historic music venues, has today been told that we have lost our legal appeal against the eviction notice served by our landlord. 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 Leadmill has played host to a generation of iconic acts including Def Leppard, Pulp, Arctic Monkeys, Coldplay, Oasis and countless more. We have also served as a community pace for art, theatre, comedy and grassroots activism.

“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 over seventy jobs.

“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.

“We’re truly devastated by this outcome, but we also know hand on heart that we did everything possible to stop The Leadmill being evicted. We have poured our energy, time, love and determination into this fight and we’re immensely proud of our team and the community that stood by us. We walk forward with our heads held high, knowing we have it our all. That strength and passion will carry us into the next chapter, whatever form it may take.

“In the coming weeks we will be hosting a series of farewell events and celebrations, providing supporters a final chance to experience the venue in its original home. Details will be announced shortly.

“While The Leadmill’s future at its current location may be coming to a close, we vow to continue fighting for independent music and culture in Sheffield. We want to reassure everyone who has purchased tickets for upcoming events: there is no immediate change to our schedule.

“We have plans in place to continue our programme of events at other venues across the city and will be in touch with all ticket holders in due course. All tickets remain valid and we are committed to ensuring clear communication and a smooth transition for every event.

“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.”

The Leadmill’s eviction notice comes after Sheffield-born artists like Richard Hawley denounced the order. Speaking to Cult Following back in 2023, Hawley called the closure a “real tragedy”.

He said: “It’s because it [The Leadmill] is beloved. You can’t buy that. I’m sure there’s a song that tells us that somewhere. It’s beloved. It has been in the city since the sixties when we called it The Esquire. It’ll be a tragedy for the city. We’ll lose it. A real, real tragedy.

“Cities already, most cities in the north of England, are struggling. Places like The Leadmill, they employ hundreds of people. It’s not a tinpot business. It’s a really big thing. The manner in which it’ll disappear is even more tragic. Not from bad management or, you know, it has resisted the times that we’re in and still manages to flourish. Because people flock to it because it’s such a positive force. It’s very, very sad.”