Ideas for National Centre for Popular Music pour in as Sheffield university mulls 'options'
“Would be perfect for The Leadmill to take over as a venue for live music”
A Sheffield university has been urged to bring an iconic building back to life - and readers have some helpful suggestions.
Sheffield Hallam University is considering what to do with the HUBS on Paternoster Row after the students’ union moved out in January.
The venue started life as the National Centre for Popular Music in March 1999 but closed after 18 months in July 2000.
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Kevin Rodgers, writing on The Star’s Facebook page, said it should “go back to what it was built for”.
He added: “Recording studios, a place to learn instruments and songwriting, teach the youth about the industry as a career, a historical museum of Sheffield’s music, and small, intimate gigs for new artists.
“Surely there are professionals that could aid the next generation of talent from our region or even further afield. It could end up a tourist hotspot for musicians from around the world if it was run properly.”
Ian Turley suggested a collaboration with another famous name in Sheffield.
“Would be perfect for The Leadmill to take over as a venue for live music,” he said.
Angela Greenwood mentioned a different Sheffield institution.
“Graves Art Gallery needs a new home for a year. Ideal central location with a cafe/bar already in it,” she said.
Mike Legat was on the ball with a current campaign.
“That football museum that was mentioned a few years ago never happened, that'd be a good place for it,” he said.
Michael Brown was arts focused: “Would be great as dance studios and a performance venue.”
But Willow Ambrose want to see it used for a fast-growing sport, which is especially popular in Sheffield, the Outdoor City: an indoor bouldering centre.
Leo Sharpe joked about the HUBS’ appearance and suggested a “national curling centre”.
The four 'kettles' were based on kettle drums and were covered in Sheffield steel to connect the design to the city's heritage. But some see a comparison with curling stones.
The university took over the former National Centre for Popular Music in September 2003 and opened it as the HUBS the following year.
In April 2025, The Twentieth Century Society included the landmark on its national list of buildings vulnerable to neglect, dereliction or demolition, following news the union was relocating.
The university told the BBC it had no plans for demolition and was exploring alternative uses.