Iconic Sheffield Leadmill Venue to Relaunch as Electric Studios in 2026

Independent U.K. live music company Electric Group has announced the launch of Electric Studios at the former site of The Leadmill in Sheffield.

Set to open its doors in spring 2026, a £2 million ($2.6 million) transformation is set to take place, with upgraded interiors and increasing capacity to 1,050 for live gigs and 1,450 for club events. It joins an established Electric Group portfolio of live music venues across the U.K., including the Electric Brixton in London, Electric Bristol (formerly known as SWX), and NX Newcastle. 

A specific opening date has not yet been revealed, but Electric Group has launched a new web page where fans can sign up for updates and make booking enquiries via email.

The refurbished venue will also operate a subsidised creative hub across its second and third floors, housing a workspace, rehearsal room, communal area and kitchen for use by emerging artists from the local area. 

A new PA system, paired with advanced lighting and production installations, has also recently been installed in the space. Other upgrades include a redesigned venue layout with all-new bars and improved stage sightline. There are also new customer staircases, as well as new toilets and a cloakroom on the first floor with full DDA (Disability Discrimination Act) compliance.

In collaboration with national promoters, bookings will be helmed by Mike Weller, head of music at Electric Group. The independent music venue operator became freeholder of the Sheffield Leadmill building in 2017, and as of August 2025 owns and operates Electric Studios Sheffield.

“This is one of the most exciting projects I’ve been involved in, bolstered by the positivity and support from local bands, DJs, and promoters,” Weller said in a statement.

“The Electric Studios Sheffield music programme is built on our demonstrable passion and success in delivering an eclectic mix of live music, club, and wider events across our venues. 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 Leadmill first opened in 1980, serving as a multi-arts co-operative that was rooted in social and political issues, while also helping to lower youth unemployment in the city. It later became a charity before operating as a live music venue, welcoming local legends Arctic Monkeys and Pulp to its stage, as well as huge acts including Oasis, Coldplay, and The Killers over the years.

Dominic Madden, co-founder of Electric Group, added: “Sheffield is a special city, and with the plans for Electric Studios, we are committed to a programme of substantial investment, refurbishment and curation for it to thrive – with a modern vision that respects the cultural significance of the building and history of the existing venue while putting the artist and fan experience front and centre of our 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.”