Is the Roxy block ready to rock again?
Love it or loathe it, life will be pumped back into the iconic Roxy's building tonight - but watch out for controversy.
Faced with uncertainty, temporary residence by a church group and possible demolition as part of a brave new Sheffield, the big white former Roxy block finally gets the music back tonight.
The building in Arundel Gate maintains controversy when it becomes Carling Academy Sheffield - a 3.5m new venue that not everyone is pleased about.
Of all the city's new generation of music ambassadors, it is Reverend & The Makers who have the task of being first to grace the stage of a concert and clubbing destination that has met with a mixed reception since the scheme was announced by the ambitious Academy Music Group.
Is Sheffield ready for its new music venue? Add your comment below.
While gig-goers will be glad to have the increase in band traffic the Academy will bring, as it comes online with one of the UK's most successful venue brands, established live music spots are bracing themselves for the affects of having a well-funded and flexible rival on their doorstep.
Incorporating different sized venues within the block - a 2,350-capacity main space and the 600-limit Academy 2 - the company knows its new addition, one of three new venues in its portfolio, is catering for a range of bands and gigs, many of which could probably find an existing stage in Sheffield.
The Academy will have the flexibility to take on most rivals, from pub music venues, such as The Boardwalk, up to Sheffield City Hall.
While many of those other venues are still busy, with three of the country's biggest promoters on its board, the Academy is never likely to go hungry.
Simon Moran, of Manchester promoters SJM, is one of those shareholders and it doesn't take a genius to figure much of his Sheffield business, for which the Octagon is a major host, is going to be redirected.
But Sheffield University's entertainments people are unfazed.
"Our thoughts here are mostly positive," says Penny Blackham, live events manager at the Sheffield Union.
"Yes, it is very likely many shows will take place at the Academy that may previously have taken place here, but that gives us scope for new business opportunities which we often struggle to fit in.
"There is a massive passion for live music in Sheffield and, statistically, cities benefit from having more venues than less when it comes to developing audience share.
"The Academy Music Group have an obligation through their licence agreement to bring new business to the city as well, not just move the business around."
Along with its 1,800-capacity Octagon Centre, the university has invested thousands upgrading its mid-size and intimate venues, the Foundry and Fusion.
"At the Union we've always had a very forward thinking development strategy and are committed to providing a diverse range of entertainments," Penny added.
"I don't see this changing with the opening of the Academy."
- TOMORROW is a big day for Richard Hunter on three counts.
It is the day he officially opens the doors to the Carling Academy.And the day he introduces himself to the public as the general manager of South Yorkshire's newest major venue. Oh, and it is his 44th birthday.
Joining him as his deputy at the Academy is Justin Smith, previously from the Leadmill.
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Weather for Sheffield
Friday 25 May 2012
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