The Leadmill: Court Case to Decide Fate of Iconic Sheffield Nightclub. UPDATE: Adjourned

[SheffieldForum]

Legal Battle Begins

The iconic Sheffield nightclub, The Leadmill, faces a crucial court case starting today, which will determine its future. A two-day possession hearing at Leeds County Court will see the current operators, led by director Phil Mills, go head-to-head with the building's owner, the Electric Group.

 

The Dispute

The court will determine whether to uphold an eviction notice served last March, potentially ordering Mr. Mills and his team to vacate the premises. Dominic Madden, the head of Electric Group, asserts that his company bought the building fairly in 2016 and has adhered to all legal and licensing requirements since.

 

The Leadmill’s management has not publicly disclosed their legal strategy. Previously, they launched a high-profile campaign supported by celebrities like Jarvis Cocker and Eddie Izzard, emphasizing the venue's historical significance and declaring it the "Soul of Sheffield". They also petitioned the government to amend tenancy laws, garnering 46,000 signatures, and opposed Electric Group’s premises license application to Sheffield City Council.

Campaigns and Controversies

The Leadmill's management previously launched a high-profile campaign to retain control, garnering support from celebrities like Jarvis Cocker and Eddie Izzard. The campaign emphasized the venue's legendary status as a nightclub and concert venue. They also appealed to the government to amend tenancy laws and opposed the Electric Group’s premises license application to Sheffield City Council, organising a rally outside the town hall.

Community Impact and Public Sentiment

Phil Mills’ tenure has sparked mixed reactions among those connected to The Leadmill. Chris Andrews, one of the original founders, expressed strong feelings - telling The Tribune: “I hope it bankrupts him in the process. I hope he’s left with nothing.”

 

Adrian Vinken, a director of The Leadmill Association throughout the 1980s, stated: "I hope the new owners won’t mess up the feel of the place, but otherwise, all power to them.”

 

The late Martin Bedford, who designed event posters until 1992, and Marcus O’Hagan, a community architect who helped transform the building, also expressed discontent with Mills' management. O’Hagan’s son, David, highlighted lingering resentment over changes made by Mills.

 

Conversely, many current staff and supporters of The Leadmill emphasize Mills' dedication and the success of the venue under his leadership. Jon McClure, frontman of Reverend and the Makers, tweeted: “Phil Mills has put 43 years into the place and feels, rightly, that it’s his life’s work.”

 

Supporters fear that Madden’s takeover could harm Sheffield's cultural scene, despite Madden’s assurances that he intends to maintain the venue’s character. Mark Mercer, who worked at The Leadmill from 1985 to 1998, added: “The thought of that landlord taking over our business, I would be devastated. The Leadmill is very much connected to that building.”

 

These contrasting views highlight the deep divisions within the community over the future of The Leadmill.

Historical Context

The Leadmill, established in 1980, was initially a non-profit community arts center founded by John Redfearn and Chris Andrews. They envisioned a creative space accessible to Sheffield's working-class residents. The building, a disused flour mill, was transformed through the efforts of volunteers and significant community support. Adrian Vinken, a University of Sheffield lecturer, played a crucial role in securing a liquor license, allowing the venue to become financially viable.

 

The Leadmill officially reopened in 1982, quickly becoming a multi-purpose arts center with a resident theatre company, dance company, and a variety of workshops and events. It hosted early performances by bands like Pulp and gained significant public funding, even welcoming Prince Charles and Princess Diana in 1988.

 

By the late 1980s, financial strains emerged as The Leadmill Association took on additional projects, including the restoration of Scotia Works and Globe Works. When Vinken left in 1989, Phil Mills took over as director. Under his leadership, the venue shifted focus to more profitable activities, leading to conflicts with funding bodies and the withdrawal of financial support.

 

In 1994, The Leadmill Association went into voluntary liquidation, and the venue’s lease and assets were controversially sold to The Leadmill Ltd, a company newly established by Mills, for £25,000. This marked a significant transformation, as the venue moved away from its community roots to become a commercial nightclub.

Conclusion

As the legal battle unfolds, the future of The Leadmill hangs in the balance. The court's decision will either uphold the eviction notice, allowing the Electric Group to take over, or allow Phil Mills and his team to continue their long-standing management of the iconic venue.

 

The case has not only stirred memories of The Leadmill’s storied past but also ignited a debate about its future direction and ownership.

[Baron99]

Just now, SheffieldForum said:

Legal Battle Begins

The iconic Sheffield nightclub, The Leadmill, faces a crucial court case starting today, which will determine its future. A two-day possession hearing at Leeds County Court will see the current operators, led by director Phil Mills, go head-to-head with the building's owner, the Electric Group.

 

The Dispute

The court will determine whether to uphold an eviction notice served last March, potentially ordering Mr. Mills and his team to vacate the premises. Dominic Madden, the head of Electric Group, asserts that his company bought the building fairly in 2016 and has adhered to all legal and licensing requirements since.

 

The Leadmill’s management has not publicly disclosed their legal strategy. Previously, they launched a high-profile campaign supported by celebrities like Jarvis Cocker and Eddie Izzard, emphasizing the venue's historical significance and declaring it the "Soul of Sheffield". They also petitioned the government to amend tenancy laws, garnering 46,000 signatures, and opposed Electric Group’s premises license application to Sheffield City Council.

Campaigns and Controversies

The Leadmill's management previously launched a high-profile campaign to retain control, garnering support from celebrities like Jarvis Cocker and Eddie Izzard. The campaign emphasized the venue's legendary status as a nightclub and concert venue. They also appealed to the government to amend tenancy laws and opposed the Electric Group’s premises license application to Sheffield City Council, organising a rally outside the town hall.

Community Impact and Public Sentiment

Phil Mills’ tenure has sparked mixed reactions among those connected to The Leadmill. Chris Andrews, one of the original founders, expressed strong feelings - telling The Tribune: “I hope it bankrupts him in the process. I hope he’s left with nothing.”

 

Adrian Vinken, a director of The Leadmill Association throughout the 1980s, stated: "I hope the new owners won’t mess up the feel of the place, but otherwise, all power to them.”

 

The late Martin Bedford, who designed event posters until 1992, and Marcus O’Hagan, a community architect who helped transform the building, also expressed discontent with Mills' management. O’Hagan’s son, David, highlighted lingering resentment over changes made by Mills.

 

Conversely, many current staff and supporters of The Leadmill emphasize Mills' dedication and the success of the venue under his leadership. Jon McClure, frontman of Reverend and the Makers, tweeted: “Phil Mills has put 43 years into the place and feels, rightly, that it’s his life’s work.”

 

Supporters fear that Madden’s takeover could harm Sheffield's cultural scene, despite Madden’s assurances that he intends to maintain the venue’s character. Mark Mercer, who worked at The Leadmill from 1985 to 1998, added: “The thought of that landlord taking over our business, I would be devastated. The Leadmill is very much connected to that building.”

 

These contrasting views highlight the deep divisions within the community over the future of The Leadmill.

Historical Context

The Leadmill, established in 1980, was initially a non-profit community arts center founded by John Redfearn and Chris Andrews. They envisioned a creative space accessible to Sheffield's working-class residents. The building, a disused flour mill, was transformed through the efforts of volunteers and significant community support. Adrian Vinken, a University of Sheffield lecturer, played a crucial role in securing a liquor license, allowing the venue to become financially viable.

 

The Leadmill officially reopened in 1982, quickly becoming a multi-purpose arts center with a resident theatre company, dance company, and a variety of workshops and events. It hosted early performances by bands like Pulp and gained significant public funding, even welcoming Prince Charles and Princess Diana in 1988.

 

By the late 1980s, financial strains emerged as The Leadmill Association took on additional projects, including the restoration of Scotia Works and Globe Works. When Vinken left in 1989, Phil Mills took over as director. Under his leadership, the venue shifted focus to more profitable activities, leading to conflicts with funding bodies and the withdrawal of financial support.

 

In 1994, The Leadmill Association went into voluntary liquidation, and the venue’s lease and assets were controversially sold to The Leadmill Ltd, a company newly established by Mills, for £25,000. This marked a significant transformation, as the venue moved away from its community roots to become a commercial nightclub.

Conclusion

As the legal battle unfolds, the future of The Leadmill hangs in the balance. The court's decision will either uphold the eviction notice, allowing the Electric Group to take over, or allow Phil Mills and his team to continue their long-standing management of the iconic venue.

 

The case has not only stirred memories of The Leadmill’s storied past but also ignited a debate about its future direction and ownership.

 

What a strange going on this is.  I reckon the land is ultimately wanted for property development?

[SheffieldForum]

34 minutes ago, Baron99 said:

 

What a strange going on this is.  I reckon the land is ultimately wanted for property development?

 

The landowner guy trying to take over operations already runs several nightclubs. He bought it with the full intention of taking it over from the incumbent operators when their lease ran out.

 

Then their lease ran out, they were served notice from the landowner and they have so far refused to move out, forcing this court case.

 

It will likely become part of the Electric Group portfolio of venues when all is said and done  - I'm not sure what argument the current operators of The Leadmill can put forward in court to keep hold of the lease. We'll hopefully know more this time tomorrow.

[SheffieldForum]

Update:

 

A pivotal court case concerning the future of The Leadmill, Sheffield's iconic nightclub and music venue, has begun. The hearing, which is taking place at the Business and Property Courts in Leeds, reveals that the new owner of the Leadmill building, MVL Properties, has neither planned nor budgeted for a substantial refurbishment expected to cost nearly £5 million.

 

Legal Battle and Financial Concerns

 

Barrister Nick Trompeter KC, representing the current operators of The Leadmill, stated that MVL Properties would need an estimated £4.7 million to reinstate the venue, a sum the company appears unable to afford. He added that the extensive work required would necessitate a six-month closure of the venue, during which "nothing [would be] happening."

 

Trompeter revealed that the current operators intend to remove significant fixtures and fittings, including toilets, sound systems, and the sprung dancefloor, if they are forced to vacate. This could leave the premises in a dilapidated state, described by Trompeter as a "pit."

 

Extensive Legal Representation

 

The case has seen a robust legal defence from The Leadmill's operators, who have employed four barristers and a solicitor in an effort to compel MVL Properties to agree to a new lease. This follows an eviction notice served by MVL last March. The defence team's focus spans trademark and intellectual property, human rights, and licensing issues.

Historical Context and Community Impact

 

Phil Mills, the 72-year-old operator of The Leadmill, risks losing the business he has developed over the past 40 years. The venue, which has been a cornerstone of Sheffield's cultural scene, has garnered support from notable figures such as Jarvis Cocker and Eddie Izzard. Despite a high-profile campaign to remain at the site, which included appealing to the government to amend tenancy laws, these efforts have so far been unsuccessful.

 

Implications for The Leadmill's Future

 

The Leadmill has a storied history, having opened in 1980 and becoming a renowned spot for live music and nightlife. The venue's current predicament follows MVL Properties' acquisition of the building, under the parent company Electric Group, led by Dominic Madden. The legal battle's outcome could determine whether The Leadmill can continue to operate in its historic location or face an uncertain future.

 

Scheduled Proceedings

 

The hearing is expected to last three days, with significant implications for Sheffield's nightlife and cultural heritage. The Leadmill's supporters hope for a resolution that will allow the venue to continue its legacy as a pivotal part of the city's music scene.

[Alextopman]

I did voluntary work on this place in the 80's and was at the opening night when the Lord mayor was present.

[glitterballs]

What an absolute waste of time and money when all he had to do was buy the building when it was up for sale!

[geared]

I don't see what case the tenants have over the building owner when their lease has expired and they've been served notice?

 

I don't want to see the club go, generations have enjoyed themselves there and future generations should have the same opportunity.

Could it be given some kind of listed building status?  It's a pretty iconic part of the city after all.

[Resident]

4 hours ago, glitterballs said:

What an absolute waste of time and money when all he had to do was buy the building when it was up for sale!

Exactly. 

It says to me that Mills, at the time, saw no future in the business and decided to keep the cash in his pocket.

 

 

3 hours ago, geared said:

I don't see what case the tenants have over the building owner when their lease has expired and they've been served notice?

 

I don't want to see the club go, generations have enjoyed themselves there and future generations should have the same opportunity.

Could it be given some kind of listed building status?  It's a pretty iconic part of the city after all.

The new owner wants to continue the club, owns several venues themselves already. The only sticking point would be the name. I believe Mills owns the rights to it

I think he's being stupid tbh. He could have sold the rights & the fixtures & fittings to the new owner for a decent sum and retired comfortably. 

 

9 hours ago, SheffieldForum said:

 

Trompeter revealed that the current operators intend to remove significant fixtures and fittings, including toilets, sound systems, and the sprung dancefloor, if they are forced to vacate. This could leave the premises in a dilapidated state, described by Trompeter as a "pit."

Possesion orders typically give the tenant 2 weeks from the date of the order.  I doubt that will be enough time & it would probably end with MVL taking Mills back to court for damage costs. 

[Top4719]

The Leadmill has been a big part of my life and I was there watching Editors as few weeks ago, if it does go over to the new owners  hope they don't make too many changes and make a sterile place.

[SheffieldForum]

The Leadmill Court Case Adjourned

The future of Sheffield’s iconic music venue, The Leadmill, remains uncertain as the court has adjourned the decision to a later date. The adjournment follows a heated legal battle between the current operators, The Leadmill Ltd, and the building’s owner, Electric Group.

 

Legal Arguments

 

The Leadmill Ltd’s legal team has presented a comprehensive defence that includes intellectual property rights, potential breaches of human rights law, and issues related to changes in the premises. They argue that Electric Group’s plan to operate the venue in the same manner as it has been would exploit the goodwill built up by the current management, potentially breaching Article 1 of the Human Rights Act, which protects property rights.

Tom Hickman KC, representing The Leadmill Ltd, stated it would be a violation of Article 1 of the Human Rights Act - protecting a person's right to property - if Electric Group was to be allowed to 'exploit' the 'good will' built up by the current management by running the venue in 'precisely the same way'.

Financial and Operational Concerns

 

The court heard that The Leadmill Ltd plans to remove significant fixtures and fittings if forced to vacate. Nicholas Trompeter KC, representing The Leadmill Ltd, highlighted that these include the main dancefloor, toilets, and an air ventilation system, which could leave the venue in a dilapidated state. A report commissioned by The Leadmill Ltd’s legal team estimated the cost of refurbishing the venue to be about £4.7 million.

Mr. Trompeter elaborated:

“In the event that those fixtures and fittings are removed it's probably not an exaggeration to say that the premises would be left as a brittle shell, a bit like the old flour mill it once was.”

 

Dominic Madden’s legal representative, Wayne Clark, countered that Electric Group has access to a £2 million loan for improvements and more if needed. He dismissed the claims about removing essential parts of the building, stating:

 

“I have never encountered, ever, a wall and a roof being part of a tenant's fixtures.”

Adjournment and Next Steps

 

The hearing began at the Leeds Business and Property Court, with Judge David Mohyuddin KC granting an adjournment requested by The Leadmill Ltd’s legal team. This delay allows them more time to respond to new evidence and arguments presented by Electric Group’s legal team. A new date for the hearing has not yet been announced.

Impact on The Leadmill

 

Despite the legal uncertainties, The Leadmill continues to operate and has bookings listed until April 2025. The venue, which has hosted legendary acts such as Coldplay, Oasis, Arctic Monkeys, and The Stone Roses since its opening in 1980, remains a vital part of Sheffield’s music scene.

 

A spokesperson for The Leadmill Ltd reassured the public:

"The business will continue to operate as normal until its future is decided."