Sheffield - National Centre for Popular Music

It seems to me that Sheffield doesn't always get the credit it deserves...living in the shadow of other Northern cities such as Manchester and Liverpool...​Of course I'm biased...as this Steel city really has my heart! 

And, just to be clear I'm not knocking Manchester and Liverpool, I think they are great too! But, as Sheffield is more local to me, I thought I would share a little spotlight on the city and it's buildings over a few blog posts.
Beginning with one that is on the Twentieth Century Society's list of 'At Risk Buildings'.

For those who don't know, Sheffield has produced a range of great music over the years...I'm thinking Pulp, Human League, Arctic Monkeys, Joe Cocker, Richard Hawley...to name just a few...

And so it was back in the 1980's Sheffield council had a vision and plan for urban regeneration...fast forward a few years into the 1990's and the National Centre for Music was born...a museum in the Cultural Quarter of the City, a building to help acknowledge the city's heritage of Steel production whilst celebrating the city's musical heritage.

The building representing four giant steel kettle drums which was designed by Architects Branson Coates - (a partnership between Doug Branson and Nigel Coates), was praised for it's avant-garde design.  Sadly, the exhibits and content inside were found lacking...visitor numbers never quite met expectations and the venue closed within 15 or so months of opening.

In 2003 the building was acquired by Sheffield Hallam University, where it was converted into The Hubs and used as a Student Union before it relocated in 2024.  Sheffield Hallam are said to be "looking at options for the longer term use", but the C20 society have put this landmark building on their 'at risk register' to help safeguard this unusual and distinctive piece of modern architecture.

So I'm thinking that the music to go with this piece, really has to be by the Human League - "Don't you want me Baby", a real classic from the 80's!