Sheffield council rejects plans to demolish parts of The Leadmill venue

Sheffield's The Leadmill have received positive news as the city council have rejected a planning application to demolish parts of the legendary venue.

The application, which sought to demolish a toilet block and complete infill works bordering Suffolk Road, was submitted by current tenant Phil Mills. The plans aimed to "return the building to pre-leasing condition" in the event of the venue's closure.

The planning officer described the proposed demolition as "purposeless" and without public benefit in their report, stating: "In the event [the applicant's] lease is terminated, they wish to return the building complex to the condition it was in prior to the lease being taken up. In this instance the proposal will result in the loss of facilities for a music venue/nightclub with no appreciable public benefits. Essentially the demolition seems purposeless."

The venue has faced uncertainty since March 2022, when owners Electric Group issued an eviction notice. Electric Group, who purchased the site's freehold in 2017, have maintained their intention to continue operating the space as a music venue. However, the company's Dominic Madden confirmed in a witness statement that if successful in their eviction attempt, the space would no longer operate under The Leadmill name and would see all current staff replaced.

A counter application filed by MVL Properties, owned by Electric Group, was also rejected by the council. The Leadmill, which opened in 1980, have indicated they might consider relocating to a new venue if evicted from their current premises.