The Leadmill: Court Case to Decide Fate of Iconic Sheffield Nightclub. UPDATE: New Hearing Ongoing

[Resident]

The allegations were never going to hold up. Just another desperate measure by Mills. 

Just for brining these false allegations, Mills should lose the entire case. 

MVL should also bring a slander case against him. 

Mills had his chance but chose to trouser the cash instead. 

[Brooker11]

4 hours ago, Resident said:

The allegations were never going to hold up. Just another desperate measure by Mills. 

Just for brining these false allegations, Mills should lose the entire case. 

MVL should also bring a slander case against him. 

Mills had his chance but chose to trouser the cash instead. 

 

This seems an odd move by Mills, he has much public backing but this smacks of desperation.

[SheffieldForum]

 

 

[Resident]

On 09/12/2024 at 21:26, SheffieldForum said:

 

 

Mills will lose the hearing and try to appeal. 

He'll keep on with the slander he's previously stated and he'll end up with a massive court bill which he'll beg the Sheffield public to donate towards. 

 

[SheffieldForum]

Battle for The Leadmill: Court Hearing Highlights Venue’s Uncertain Future

 

The ongoing dispute over Sheffield’s iconic Leadmill venue has escalated further, with both the building’s owner and its current tenant clashing over renovation costs, eviction plans, and the venue’s future identity.

 

The Electric Group, which owns the site, and the venue’s operator, The Leadmill Ltd, remain locked in a legal battle following an eviction notice issued in 2022. This week’s court hearing in Leeds has shed new light on the heated disagreement.

 

Cost of Refurbishment Disputed

 

During the hearing, The Leadmill’s legal team claimed that Electric Group would struggle to fund the necessary refurbishment to keep the venue operational. A report commissioned by the current operators estimated the work would cost £4.7 million.

 

However, Dominic Madden, chief executive of Electric Group, dismissed these figures as “absurdly overcooked” and “illogical.” He stated that the project would cost closer to £2 million, even if current tenant Phil Mills follows through on plans to strip the venue of its fixtures and fittings, including the dancefloor and stage.

 

Mr Madden added that he and his business partner, Jacob Lewis, had committed £3 million for the refurbishment, with further funding available if needed.

 

Stripping Back the Venue

 

Tensions have heightened after Phil Mills submitted a planning application to demolish part of the venue, specifically its toilet block, as part

of plans to return the building to its “pre-leasing condition,” should the court's decision not go in their favour. This move aligns with earlier comments made by Leadmill staff that they would leave behind “a derelict flour mill” if forced to vacate.

 

In response, Electric Group’s property arm, MVL Properties, submitted its own application to reinstate the demolished sections should the current operators follow through.

 

A New Name for the Venue?

 

(Image: Planning Documents from MVL Properties, showing the painted gable end and neon sign now saying 'Sheffield')

 

Adding to the debate, MVL Properties has applied to replace the venue’s painted and neon signage, proposing a shift from ‘The Leadmill’ to ‘Sheffield’. This has raised speculation about what brand Electric Group intends to operate at the site, should they be successful in the case, given that Mills owns the rights to The Leadmill name.

 

Mr Madden told the court that while the venue would continue to host concerts and nightclub events, it would be “a slightly more polished, probably modernised version” of what it is now. He emphasised that the venue would be integrated into a national network of music venues, alongside Electric Group’s other sites, such as Electric Brixton in London and SWX Bristol.

 

The Leadmill’s Legacy

 

Since opening in 1980, The Leadmill has become one of Sheffield’s most cherished cultural landmarks, hosting performances from legendary acts like Oasis, Arctic Monkeys, Coldplay, and The Stone Roses. A plaque at the site also commemorates an early performance by Pulp.

 

The hearing continues as the future of the historic venue—and its name—hangs in the balance. For now, Sheffield’s music community watches closely, awaiting the outcome of what could be a defining moment for one of the city’s most celebrated venues.

[Resident]

2 minutes ago, SheffieldForum said:

 

Why does Mills keep trying to bring in the cost of refurbishment into it?

It has no bearing on a tenancy dispute where the tenant is refusing to comply with a vacate order.  That's EG's problem after Mills has handed over the property. 

[SheffieldForum]

The Leadmill Faces Uncertain Future as Eviction Dispute Continues

 

Sheffield’s iconic music venue, The Leadmill, may relocate if forced to vacate its home of 44 years, according to its director, Phil Mills. The venue’s future hangs in the balance as a two-year legal battle between its operators and the building’s owners, Electric Group, continues in Leeds Business and Property Court.

 

Electric Group, which purchased the freehold in 2017, served an eviction notice on The Leadmill Ltd in March 2022, intending to take over operations. The Leadmill’s legal team has challenged the notice, citing alleged breaches of law.

 

Relocation a “Plan B”

 

Mr Mills, who has managed The Leadmill since its opening in 1980, told the court that relocating the venue was a “hypothetical” option if they lose the case.
 

While he hopes to remain at the current site, he said any move would take years, requiring time to find, equip, and rebuild in a new location.

 

The Leadmill owns the trademark for its name, meaning any new venue could retain the branding and legacy. However, Mr Mills acknowledged that a Sheffield relocation might create competition between the new site and the original venue under Electric Group’s management.

 

Eviction Fallout

 

If evicted, Mr Mills plans to strip the current premises of its fixtures and fittings, including the stage and sound systems. The hearing was told this could cost £750,000, but Mr Mills argued it was the preservation of their possessions and could provide financial value in a new venue.

 

The Electric Group countered with plans to reinstate demolished areas, including toilets and a cloakroom, if The Leadmill follows through on its intentions.

 

Rising Costs and Operational Challenges

 

The court heard that The Leadmill currently pays an annual rent of £65,000. If it were to remain under a new lease, this would rise to £238,000. Electric Group boss Dominic Madden stated that Mr Mills had the opportunity to purchase the freehold in 2017 but declined.

 

The Electric Group plans to operate the site as a music venue, incorporating it into its national network, which includes Electric Brixton and SWX Bristol. Mr Madden has pledged to maintain The Leadmill’s reputation but aims to modernise and expand its appeal.

 

The Legacy of The Leadmill

 

Opened in 1980, The Leadmill has become a cornerstone of Sheffield’s cultural scene, hosting legendary acts such as Oasis, Coldplay, and Arctic Monkeys. However, the current legal battle has raised concerns about the future of independent music venues and their ability to retain control over hard-earned reputations.

 

As the hearing continues, the fate of this iconic venue remains uncertain. The final decision will have significant implications for Sheffield’s cultural identity and the broader independent venue industry.

[SheffieldForum]

Response from The Leadmill:

 

[Resident]

Human rights 

 
🤣🤣🤣

[geared]

Flipping heck, what a load of drawn out nonsense.

 

One mans over inflated ego and failure to accept he messed up.