New operator announced for Sheffield City Hall

[SheffieldForum]

ASM Global to Take Over Sheffield City Hall in 2025

 

Sheffield City Hall is set for a new chapter as ASM Global has been announced as the new operator starting January 2025. This decision is part of Sheffield City Council's £117 million investment plan to revitalise the city's leisure and entertainment venues, including major improvements to Sheffield Arena and City Hall.

 

Competitive Procurement Process

 

In June 2023, Sheffield City Council launched a competitive procurement process to attract top-tier operators for its venues. ASM Global, already appointed as the new operator for Utilita Arena Sheffield earlier this year, emerged as the successful bidder for the historic City Hall after a rigorous tender process.

Global Expertise and Local Impact

 

ASM Global is a renowned international venue management and event strategy company, operating more than 350 venues worldwide. Their portfolio includes major sporting events and tours by globally acclaimed artists. Sheffield City Hall and the Utilita Arena will join ASM Global’s extensive network, which collectively hosts 20,000 events and welcomes 164 million guests annually.

 

Councillor Kurtis Crossland, Chair of the Communities, Parks, and Leisure Committee at Sheffield City Council, expressed his confidence in the new partnership: “ASM Global have a world-class reputation within the venue and entertainment industry, and I am delighted that they have been announced as the new operator for Sheffield City Hall, which is central to Sheffield’s cultural and civic life. I am confident that both Sheffield City Hall and the Utilita Arena Sheffield are in great hands with ASM Global and that this new investment will help our fantastic Sheffield venues compete on the global stage.”

Historic Venue with a Rich Legacy

 

Sheffield City Hall, a Grade II listed building, has been a cornerstone of the city's cultural and civic life since it opened in 1932. The venue has hosted legendary figures such as Elton John, the Beatles, and Kylie Minogue, and serves as a hub for local and community events like tea dances and the Manor Operatic Society’s annual panto. With over 750 events each year, including the Sheffield International Concert Season and the Last Laugh Comedy Club, City Hall is a vibrant part of Sheffield’s heritage.

 

Chris Bray, President of ASM Global Europe, shared his excitement: “We are delighted to have been selected to operate the wonderful Sheffield City Hall – a truly beautiful and unique venue steeped in heritage. Sheffield’s rich culture and phenomenal music talent are recognised far and wide, and working with Sheffield City Council we have exciting plans to evolve and transform the city’s live entertainment experience for both residents and visitors, delivering content that is nothing short of world-leading. Having announced just a few months ago that ASM Global has also been appointed to manage the city’s Utilita Arena, we are thrilled to be able to support the local community and the city’s economy, ensuring these venues are must-plays across a broad spectrum of acts and artists, from grassroots to world-renowned.”

Context: Sheffield City Trust and Financial Challenges

 

The transition to ASM Global comes in the wake of significant financial challenges faced by Sheffield City Trust (SCT), which currently manages some of Sheffield's major venues. SCT is set to return facilities including Sheffield Arena, Ponds Forge, and City Hall to the council after receiving a £7 million bailout to avoid potential insolvency. Council officers noted that the current funding arrangements were insufficient to provide the security needed for SCT to continue trading.

Looking Ahead

 

With ASM Global taking the helm, the next steps include finalising the tender for the city’s leisure services. This move is expected to bring a fresh wave of investment and revitalisation to Sheffield’s iconic venues, ensuring they remain vibrant centres of culture and entertainment for years to come.

[bassett one]

could be a better move, re-the arena its old and past its best thats why top acts go to manchester and not here

[gamezone07]

You mean privatise?

[gamezone07]

Has there been any opposition to this, much publicity?, its a massive change from a Trust.

I do wonder if basically we now have a Uniparty in Sheffield, all these publically owened leisure services,

that make Sheffield, are being passed to huge global multi nationals.

Years ago, there would have been challenges: the wider sheffield left would have robustly opposed this, but now its all global/identity issues.

[SheffieldForum]

20 hours ago, gamezone07 said:

You mean privatise?

 

19 hours ago, gamezone07 said:

Has there been any opposition to this, much publicity?, its a massive change from a Trust.

I do wonder if basically we now have a Uniparty in Sheffield, all these publically owened leisure services,

that make Sheffield, are being passed to huge global multi nationals.

Years ago, there would have been challenges: the wider sheffield left would have robustly opposed this, but now its all global/identity issues.

 

The sites are still owned by the Council's Trust, but will just be operated by another company for a commercial fee on behalf of the city.

 

Sheffield City Trust (and Sheffield International Venues before it) struggled and failed to run it profitably for the city on several occasions.

[Stannington Lad]

Didn't SIV take over the running of municipal golf course too?  I wonder if that's in the deal 

[SheffieldForum]

21 hours ago, Stannington Lad said:

Didn't SIV take over the running of municipal golf course too?  I wonder if that's in the deal 

Leisure facilities are up for tender as different deals, I believe.

[hackey lad]

Does the council run anything they own ? 

[Top4719]

17 hours ago, hackey lad said:

Does the council run anything they own ? 

 

Yes, badly.

[Resident]

5 hours ago, Top4719 said:

 

Yes, badly.

So to butcher a phrase; 

Those that can, do 
Those that can't, become a municipal councillor....