Independent live music company Electric Group has announced the launch of Electric Studios at the former site of The Leadmill in Sheffield.
Details of its £2 million transformation and ambitions for live and club music programming include upgraded interiors, local partnership and a subsidised creative hub opening in spring 2026.
The venue in Leadmill Road will host increased capacity with 1,050 for live gigs and 1,450 for club events. It joins an established Electric Group portfolio of live music venues, including the 1,500-capacity Electric Brixton, 1,150-capacity Electric Bristol, and 1,750-capacity NX Newcastle.
Electric Group became freeholder of the Sheffield Leadmill building in 2017, and as of August 2025 owns and operates Electric Studios Sheffield.
With bookings helmed by Electric Group head of music Mike Weller, Electric Studios is collaborating with national and independent promoters, music labels, and brands on “eclectic” programming.
A new d&b audiotechnik PA system, paired with advanced lighting and production installations, has been installed in the venue.
Upgrades include a redesigned venue layout with all-new bars, improved stage sightlines and increased capacity. With a focus on improving the customer experience, there will be improved flow around the building supported by new customer staircases, as well as new toilets and a cloakroom on the first floor and full DDA compliance for accessibility. There will also be enhanced backstage facilities for touring artists.
‘Cultural identity’
“With a focus on reconnecting with Sheffield’s vibrant music community, Electric Studios Sheffield marks a new era for the city’s cultural landscape, reviving a space that played a pivotal role in shaping the city’s cultural identity and deep creative roots,” said a statement.
Electric Studios is set to house a collaborative workspace including a rehearsal room, communal area and kitchen for Sheffield’s next generation of musicians, DJs and artists.
The refurbishment will reimagine the building’s second and third floors, which were previously a hub for Sheffield’s creative community in the 1980s.
Alan Deadman, music promoter from Sheffield, founder of Tramlines Festival and original member of the Leadmill Arts Cooperative, said: “There’s a cyclical thing… Just as the Leadmill venue was a very powerful stimulus in 1980 in the morale of the creative community, the Electric Studios will do that again.”
Sheffield is a special city, and with the plans for Electric Studios, we are committed to a programme of substantial investment, refurbishment and curation
Dominic Madden
Mike Weller, head of music for Electric Group, said: “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.
“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.”
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.
“Having discussed the ethos of the original Leadmill cooperative with the founders of the Leadmill Arts Cooperative, the one thing that resonated with me was their demonstrable success in providing opportunity to young people at the time. We can now step up and provide support to young creative Sheffielders at the start of their journey.
“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.”
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‘ The preceding article may include information circulated by third parties ’
‘ Some details of this article were extracted from the following source www.musicweek.com ’
