City musicians' hub saved from closure

Make Noise Studios welcomes up to 70 bands a week for recording, rehearsals and gigs

A musicians' hub in Sheffield has been saved from closure.

The owners of Make Noise Studios, based in Trinity Street, near Kelham Island, had warned the business could shut down as it faced eviction from its current premises.

But they have struck a deal with the building's owners to stay put for now, with a plan in place to temporarily relocate before moving next door.

The company's business manager Chico Couto said: "We are in a much better place knowing where we are going."

Opened in June 2023, Make Noise Studios welcomes up to 70 bands per week for recording, rehearsals and gigs on Friday and Saturday nights.

It employs seven members of staff and up to 15 workers on a freelance basis.

The space is also used for teaching music to young and neurodivergent people.

Its owners plan to temporarily relocate the different areas of the business from August before bringing them back under one roof.

Developer Sky-House is planning to convert the current home of Make Noise Studios into a car park as part of a residential development, but agreed to sell Make Noise the building next door.

"They are really, really good people and they have been really nice to us," said Mr Couto, who began working for Make Noise Studios as a volunteer.

The business may need to apply for planning permission for a change of use for its new premises, but its owners' search for a new home could be over.

Well-wishers had raised almost £2,500 as of Wednesday to help them in their fight for survival.

"The fundraiser will be very, very helpful with these new costs," said Mr Couto.

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