Now the building has been converted into restaurants and bars and the history of the biggest strike in Britain since 1926 and the importance the building played lives on only as memories now.
The building was commissioned by Arthur Scargill in the early 1980s in an effort to move the NUM from London and the building opened in 1988. Following the decline of the mining industry the NUM again relocated its headquarters to Barnsley. The NUM occupied the building for less than four years.
It then stood derelict for more than two decades and was threatened with demolition in 2006 and following a £5 million refit the building became home to three restaurants on the ground floor and offices on the first and second floors in March 2016.
Take a look back at some of the key events which happened in and outside of St James’ House, including the continued protests which carried on through the decades and the conversion into eateries and office space.
Want more Sheffield retro? Forgotten pit life pictures, Sheffield in 1980
1. Protesting about cuts
A protest was held against proposed cuts in ESOL (English Speakers of Other Languages) courses for migrants and asylum seekers....and finished with a rally in Barkers Pool.
Photo: Stuart Hastings
2. Files being removed
Files being removed from the NUM headquarters in October 25, 1984
Photo: Norman Allott
3. Redevelopment scheme
The former NUM HQ Building, which is being redeveloped as a mixed-use scheme with offices and bars.
Photo: Andrew Roe
4. Meeting the media
Arthur Scargill, chairman of the NUM met the media in April 1984
Photo: ©Sheffield Newspapers Ltd