The Leadmill to leave venue after losing appeal

Sheffield music venue The Leadmill said it was a "heartbreaking moment" as it announced it would have to leave its premises after losing an appeal against eviction.

The well-known venue confirmed it had lost its long-running battle against its landlord Electric Group and would have to quit the building within three months.

The venue's application for permission to appeal against the court ruling made in February was refused by the Court of Appeal at a hearing on Wednesday.

After it won the earlier court case, Electric Group said it would continue to be "a cornerstone of the live music scene in Sheffield".

The latest decision follows years of dispute between the club's managers and Electric Group, which bought the building in 2017.

In a statement issued following the hearing, the venue said the judgment would mean the loss of more than 70 jobs and that the decision felt "like a betrayal of the cultural fabric of our city."

It said: "This is a heartbreaking moment not just for our team but for the entire Sheffield community.

"We've fought tirelessly to protect this independent venue which has supported countless artists, musicians and creatives for over four decades."

It went on: "We have poured our energy, time, love and determination into this fight and we're immensely proud of our team and the community that stood by us.

"We walk forward with our heads held high, knowing we gave it our all."

The Leadmill said the decision had "ramifications for every business tenant in the country".

It said: "The judgment in the High Court and in the Court of Appeal confirms that tenants have no rights whatsoever, that if a landlord wants to profit from evicting the tenant and copying the tenant's business, it can do so."

It added: "If you worked all the hours God sends over years to build a successful business, it can be forcibly seized in the most egregious way."

The Leadmill said it would be hosting a series of farewell events and told those holding tickets for future gigs that there were plans in place to continue at other venues in Sheffield.

It said: "We are devastated but not defeated.

"This is not the end of The Leadmill's spirit - it's a call to action for everyone who believes in the importance of independent culture."

The venue opened its doors in 1980 and has hosted artists including Pulp, Coldplay, The Stone Roses and Oasis.

Well-known music names went on to pledge their backing to the club and a social media social media campaign - #WeCantLoseLeadmill - was set up.

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