Work progressing at Sheffield O2 Academy as builders work to repair iconic Sheffield music venue
Pictures and video show how work is progressing towards repairing one of Sheffield’s most iconic music venues.
The Sheffield Academy, next to Arundel Gate, has been one of the best known music venues in the city over the last 60 years.
More recently called the Sheffield O2 Academy, it was known to previous generations as The Roxy, and the Top Rank.
It hosted big name stars including The Jam, David Bowie and AC/DC, as well as famous disco nights. It was even famous enough to be namechecked in an episode of Doctor Who in 2006.
However, it has been closed since September 2023 due to safety concerns regarding Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC) in its roof.
Now work is well underway on repairs - with a prominent sign of that work this week.
A huge crane has now been seen next to the the Academy over the Bank Holiday weekend, placed on Arundel Gate, and workmen can now be seen on the roof of the famous building.
Last month, workers were on the ground at Pond Street, with a barrier in place asking people to walk clear of an area close to the building while specific works were carried out.
It is understood that work is well underway, with much of the inside work now done. Work is now being carried out outside on the roof, and it is understood it is months from completion.
No official date for completion or re-opened has been stated, however.
The Academy told the Star it was not currently providing an update on progress or when the venue would re-open.
An application for planning permission to replace the roof and “allow the building to reopen swiftly and return a vital business back to the city centre" was given the green light by Sheffield City Council in February 2025.