The HUBS (Hallam SU) - Former National Centre for Popular Music - May Be Demolished

[SheffieldForum]

Potential Changes for the HUBS Building

One of Sheffield’s most recognizable buildings, the HUBS building, is set for a potential transformation, with demolition not being ruled out. Originally the National Centre for Popular Music, this structure is currently home to Sheffield Hallam University’s student union and is occasionally used for teaching, learning, events and other activities.

 

Plans for Relocation

A spokesperson for Sheffield Hallam University revealed plans for the student union to move to a more prominent space at Hallam Square on Howard Street later this year, saying:

 

“In the longer term, we will be looking at several different options for the building as part of the next phase of our Campus Plan.”

 

When asked if these options included possible demolition, the spokesperson told The Star:

 

“We haven’t got anything further to add.”

Historical Context and Community Memories

The news of potential changes has brought back memories of the building’s original purpose. Unveiled in March 1999, the HUBS building was initially launched as the National Centre for Popular Music, intended to be Sheffield’s trendiest museum. The £15 million lottery-funded project was envisioned as a celebration of contemporary music and culture, featuring exhibits such as instruments and outfits from legendary acts as well as a revolutionary (at the time) immersive 3D surround sound experience by Vince Clarke and Martyn Ware.

 

However, the venue on Paternoster Row struggled to attract visitors and closed after just 18 months in July 2000. Subsequently, it was used as a venue for hire before being converted into the students’ union for Sheffield Hallam University.

Iconic Appearance and Nicknames

The HUBS building, known for its distinctive four stainless steel-coated ‘drums,’ has gained various nicknames over the years due to its unique appearance, including "the kettles," "the drums," and "the curling stones."

Looking Forward

As Sheffield Hallam University moves forward with its Campus Plan, the future of the HUBS building remains uncertain. With the student union set to relocate and multiple options under consideration, the fate of this iconic structure will be closely watched by the Sheffield community.

[AndrewC]

Is it actually still used at all? It always looks absolutely dead whenever I walk past not to mention uncared for.

 

The new buildings that surround it are not doing it any favours - it looks like tired, out of place, and - as above - being pretty devoid of activity is going to be at odds with the new buildings once they are fully operational.

 

 

The building (both as a museum and in terms of it's design) was really Sheffield's crack at culture-based regeneration that several northern cities tried around the millennium. Unlike a lot of other places (Newcastle/Gateshead Baltic, Hull's The Deep etc.) it never took hold as a popular destination or really as a recognisable landmark, at least not with any fondness. Sheffield found much greater success in that respect with the Winter Gardens.

Doubt many would mourn the loss of this. If it does stay, it needs a good make over.

[geared]

It's a pity if it's not been looked after, it was opened 18-19 years ago?

 

Have they actually done anything with the site of the old union building that has say empty for so many years?

[SheffieldForum]

31 minutes ago, AndrewC said:

Is it actually still used at all? It always looks absolutely dead whenever I walk past not to mention uncared for.

 

It is heavily used as the Student Union for Sheffield Hallam University. The bar there is quite nice, pretty cheap and open to all (you don't have to be a student to use it!).

 

5 minutes ago, geared said:

It's a pity if it's not been looked after, it was opened 18-19 years ago?

 

Have they actually done anything with the site of the old union building that has say empty for so many years?

 

The NMB site? It is still boarded. There's been plans over the years, but nothing done with it as yet.

[bassett one]

what about making the ex music museum into a new snooker hub or a leadmill type venue?

[hackey lad]

What about sorting the Nelson Mandela building out first . 

[HeHasRisen]

23 hours ago, hackey lad said:

What about sorting the Nelson Mandela building out first . 

Wasnt that knocked down years ago?

[Mister M]

23 minutes ago, HeHasRisen said:

Wasnt that knocked down years ago?

Yep at least 10 years ago I think/

[hackey lad]

36 minutes ago, Mister M said:

Yep at least 10 years ago I think/

I meant to put building site . 

[AndrewC]

On 20/05/2024 at 17:05, SheffieldForum said:

 

It is heavily used as the Student Union for Sheffield Hallam University. The bar there is quite nice, pretty cheap and open to all (you don't have to be a student to use it!).

 

 

The NMB site? It is still boarded. There's been plans over the years, but nothing done with it as yet.

 

Amazed by that. Admittedly even if I'm welcome it's not a place I'm likely to frequent but walking past it pretty regularly both during the day and the evening it never seems to have anyone inside, coming in or out, and nor does it look like an active bar from the outside.