Electric Group to Revitalize Sheffield’s Historic Leadmill Venue as Electric Studios
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A £2 million transformation is underway at the former Leadmill site in Sheffield, with independent U.K. live music company Electric Group set to launch Electric Studios in spring 2026. The revamped venue promises an expanded capacity and a dedicated creative hub for emerging artists.
The project represents a significant investment in Sheffield’s music scene, increasing the venue’s capacity to 1,050 for live gigs and 1,450 for club events. Electric Studios will join Electric Group’s growing portfolio, which includes Electric Brixton in London, Electric Bristol (formerly SWX), and NX Newcastle. Fans can sign up for updates and booking inquiries via a newly launched web page.
A Hub for Creativity and Performance
Beyond simply increasing capacity, Electric Group intends to foster a thriving artistic community. The refurbished venue will house a subsidized creative hub spanning its second and third floors. This hub will provide a dedicated workspace, rehearsal room, communal area, and kitchen specifically for emerging artists in the local area.
Significant upgrades are also planned for the performance experience itself. A new public address (PA) system, coupled with advanced lighting and production installations, has already been installed. The venue layout will be redesigned with all-new bars and improved sightlines to the stage. Accessibility will also be prioritized, with new customer staircases, toilets, and a cloakroom on the first floor fully compliant with the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA).
Building on a Legacy
Electric Group acquired the freehold of the Leadmill building in 2017, and as of August 2025, fully owns and operates Electric Studios Sheffield. The company’s head of music, Mike Weller, will lead bookings in collaboration with national promoters. “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 stated in a company release. “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.”
The Leadmill, which first opened in 1980, holds a storied place in British music history. Originally conceived as a multi-arts co-operative with roots in social and political activism, it evolved into a beloved live music venue. Over the decades, the Leadmill hosted iconic acts such as Arctic Monkeys, Pulp, Oasis, Coldplay, and The Killers, becoming a crucial launching pad for local talent and a destination for international stars.
Investment and Job Creation
Dominic Madden, co-founder of Electric Group, emphasized the company’s commitment to Sheffield. “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,” Madden said.
The ongoing work at Electric Studios is already creating over 100 jobs, and the company anticipates welcoming music lovers to the latest addition to its circuit of venues next spring. The project signals a renewed focus on live music and cultural enrichment in Sheffield, promising a vibrant future for the city’s entertainment landscape.
