The Grade II listed Abbeydale Picture House in Sheffield has been acquired, with True North Brew Co. aiming to restore it as a premier entertainment venue.
The Abbeydale Picture House, known as the Picture Palace, opened on Abbeydale Road in December 1920. However, changing markets and difficulties with renovation eventually led to its decline, repurposing, and closure in February 2024.
True North plans to make a significant investment to restore the Picture House’s architectural grandeur while modernising it to suit today’s audiences.
Kane Yeardley, owner of True North, said: “Our vision is to make it a vibrant entertainment destination for all demographics across Sheffield and beyond.
“This is the biggest and perhaps the most challenging project we’ve ever undertaken, especially as the Picture House is Grade II listed; and we couldn’t be more excited.
“When we heard larger national companies were interested, it only strengthened our resolve to become its custodians. The last thing Abbeydale Road needs is a non-independent chain serving heavily discounted beer.
“Sheffield deserves an authentic local brand that understands the significance of this building and ensures its future remains rooted in the city. We’re here to ensure this space remains a proud part of Sheffield, by Sheffield, for Sheffield.”
Once restored, Abbeydale Picture House will host live music, comedy, art events, and food and drink festivals. True North will work with local building, architectural, and heritage experts to transform the site’s spaces. The venue is also expected to create around fifty jobs.
The restoration of the Picture House will be phased over the next two years. True North is collaborating with previous occupant CADS (Creative Arts Development Space), who have already shared building surveys and architectural expertise from their time working on the building, and Professor Vanessa Toulmin from the University of Sheffield, who will advise on its importance as a historic cinema and theatre.
The Picture House Social bar will close in March, reopening under True North in May following refurbishment. James O’Hara and James Hill, who originally transformed the former billiard club into a vibrant bar, are supportive of the next chapter.
James O’Hara said: “We’ve loved our time in the basement of the picture palace and have seen Abbeydale Road transform over the years—a transformation True North helped start with The Broadfield. This building has always needed the right owner, someone with the vision and means to restore it and make it relevant for the next one hundred years.
“I’m excited to confirm that I’ll be coming back to help guide the True North team in bringing the very best music, events, and content to a venue close to my heart. I can’t wait for people to see what’s in store.”
