CADS (Creative Arts Development Space), the Sheffield-based arts charity, continues to face significant setbacks in securing the future of the historic Abbeydale Picture House.
Although much-needed funding was awarded more than four months ago, it remains tied up due to a complex legal situation with the building’s landlord. These legal complexities are now jeopardising the funding and delaying progress, putting the future of the building at serious risk. As time passes, the Abbeydale Picture House continues to deteriorate, further increasing the financial burden required for its purchase and restoration.
The ongoing legal dispute with the building’s landlord, including upcoming court proceedings, has become a major obstacle to finalising the funding and advancing the project. Compounding this, the application for Asset of Community Value (AOCV) protection status was unexpectedly rejected.
In February 2024, CADS announced the closure of the Abbeydale Picture House due to extensive damage and escalating costs. The situation worsened when the landlord changed the locks in April 2024, further complicating matters and delaying any progress. With court proceedings imminent, CADS is now focused on resolving these legal issues, while the building, already in a state of disrepair after two and a half years of partial closure, continues to deteriorate. Water ingress and other structural issues are pushing the project further from its goals.
Despite these challenges, Sheffield City Council has been supportive, particularly throughout the COF application process. The building, a Grade II listed site, was added to the Theatres at Risk Register by the Theatres Trust earlier this year. The Abbeydale Picture House remains one of the few intact venues of its kind in the country, making its preservation even more urgent.
Steve Rimmer, CADS founder and board director, commented, “The complexity of this legal situation has slowed our progress significantly and the prolonged inaction only worsens the building’s condition. Despite the setbacks, we remain committed to purchasing and restoring Abbeydale Picture House.”
For more info visit cads-online.co.uk
