Harmony Works Trust has secured £3.5 million in funding from Arts Council England to transform the historic Canada House in Sheffield city centre into a vibrant new home for music education.
This latest pledge follows the successful award of £4.7 million from The National Lottery Heritage Fund, announced last week, and adds to the project’s growing support base, which also includes funding from the Architectural Heritage Fund, Sheffield City Council, South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority, the UK Government’s Levelling Up Funding, and multiple local trusts and foundations.
Harmony Works Trust purchased the Grade II* Listed Canada House last year and with the combined £8.2 million investment, the trust will transform the building into a new regional home for music education – creating a high-quality practice, rehearsal and performance destination.
We are absolutely thrilled to receive such strong backing from Arts Council England,” said Emily Pieters, Project Director at Harmony Works.
“Alongside the funding from The National Lottery Heritage Fund, we are now in a very strong position to fully refurbish Canada House and deliver on our long-term vision of creating a new home to inspire and nurture the creative potential of young people and their communities.
“It’s amazing to think that in just three years, these walls will once again be filled with the sound of music – this time created by the young people themselves,” Pieters concluded.
Cllr Martin Smith, Chair of Economic Development and Skills Committee at Sheffield City Council, joined Emily Pieters in welcoming this announcement, adding: “Culture runs through every community in Sheffield, and we are committed to putting it at the heart of everything we do. Harmony Works will be a home for inspirational music education and opportunity in our city. Not only will this benefit young people across South Yorkshire, but this further funding will also allow us to protect an important heritage asset.”
With a history dating back to 1875, when it was originally constructed as offices for the Sheffield United Gas Light Company, Canada House is a cherished local landmark. In the 1980s, the building gained local popularity as TurnUps nightclub and was a hub for young music lovers.
The refurbishment of Canada House is expected to start later this year, with a view to opening the doors to Harmony Works late in 2027.
Once complete, it will become home to many organisations, including the Sheffield Music Academy, Sheffield Music Hub, Brass Bands England, Music in the Round, Choir with No Name, Orchestras for All, and Concerteenies, while also working closely with The University of Sheffield, Sheffield Hallam University and The Sheffield College.
For more information on the Harmony Works project and how you can support it, please visit www.harmonyworks.org.
