Electric Sheffield: CEO speaks out after thousands of pounds of equipment stolen days before opening
Electric Studio Sheffield has been hit by another setback after thieves broke into the venue in the early hours of Monday morning - just days before it is due to open.
The venue, on Leadmill Road, is set to welcome its first crowds this Friday (March 13), but yesterday staff discovered that thousands of pounds worth of equipment had been stolen overnight.
Dominic Madden, the CEO of the company behind the new venue, said the incident had been particularly frustrating given the work that contractors have put in to prepare the space.
“It has been frustrating, mainly because a number of the tools taken belonged to contractors who have been working incredibly hard to get the space ready.
“They are the people who feel the impact most when something like this happens.”
The burglary is the latest challenge in what has already been a difficult journey towards opening for Electric Studio Sheffield.
The site was previously home to The Leadmill, Sheffield’s longest-running music venue, which closed after a lengthy legal battle with property owners Electric Group.
The dispute began in March 2022 when tenants, The Leadmill Ltd, were served an eviction notice by Electric Group, which bought the building in 2017 and planned to run the venue themselves.
A court ruling in late 2024 went in favour of Electric Group.
After a final appeal was rejected last year, the former operators were given notice to vacate the premises.
When Electric Group took control of the building, it had been stripped back to its original state, leaving the team with a major refurbishment project before the venue could reopen under its new name.
Now, just days before its relaunch, the latest incident has dealt another blow.
Despite the burglary, Dom said the team remain determined that the opening will go ahead as planned.
“That said, the team has rallied and it has not affected our plans.
“Electric Studio Sheffield will still be opening as scheduled and everyone involved is pushing ahead to make it happen.”
He also urged anyone who may have information about the break-in to come forward.
“If anyone locally has seen or heard anything about the stolen equipment we would of course really appreciate them getting in touch with the police.”
South Yorkshire Police confirmed they are investigating the incident.
A spokesperson said: “At 6.56am yesterday (Monday 9 March) we were called to reports of a burglary on Leadmill Road, Sheffield.
“It is reported that a number of tools and copper cable were taken from the address.
“An investigation has been launched and officers are conducting enquiries.”
Anyone with information is asked to call 101 or contact South Yorkshire Police via online chat quoting incident number 105 of 9 March 2026.
Electric Studio Sheffield is still expected to open on Friday (March 13) with an event featuring Wilkinson, alongside Camo & Krooked, Culture Shock, Harriet Jaxxon and Lunar, running from 10pm to 4am.
This will be the first of a number of exciting new events from the venue, with the following night seeing Gentleman’s Dub Club headline a live dub session alongside Mungo’s Hi Fi and Aziza Jaye.
On March 20, Toddla T’s Steeze Factory take over with appearances from Window Kid, Saint Ludo and a live cypher session under the banner “Bigger Den We”.
Other standout names across the club programme include Ross From Friends, Jeremy Underground, Dr Banana, sim0ne, Call Super, Sully and Samurai Breaks.