Historic landmark refurbishment secures another £3.5m
Harmony Works Trust has secured £3.5m in funding from Arts Council England to transform the historic Canada House in Sheffield city centre into a new home for music education.
It 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, awarded official charitable status in August 2023, purchased the Grade II* Listed Canada House from Panache retail brand last year.
Credit: Vox Media
The combined £8.2m investment from The National Lottery Heritage Fund and Arts Council England will help fund the building’s conversion into a new regional home for music education – creating a high-quality practice, rehearsal and performance destination.
Emily Pieters, project director at Harmony Works, said: “We are absolutely thrilled to receive such strong backing from Arts Council England.
“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.”
Councillor Martin Smith, chair of the economic development and skills committee at Sheffield City Council, said: “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.”
South Yorkshire’s Mayor, Oliver Coppard, said: “From the Arctic Monkeys to Pulp, Yungblud to Kate Rusby, South Yorkshire has given music to the world for years.
“I couldn’t be prouder to build on our arts heritage by investing in projects such as the restoration of Harmony Works, giving exciting opportunities to young, aspiring musicians in our communities and a chance for them to stay near and go far.
“Not only do cultural institutions drive growth in our city centres, they also lead to happier, healthier lives for local people.”
Pete Massey, Yorkshire director, Arts Council England, added: “Sheffield is a city with a rich history of musical excellence, so it’s great to see Harmony Works secure this vital investment from Government to create a fantastic new hub for music education.
“Yorkshire continues to produce musicians and bands that have received national and international acclaim, and we can’t wait to see the next generation of artists come through the Harmony Works doors to build on that success.”
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 local landmark.
In the 1980s, the building gained local popularity as TurnUps nightclub and was a hub for young music lovers.
Refurbishment is expected to start later this year, with a view to opening the doors to Harmony Works late in 2027.
