The first concept images showing the future of The Crucible have been unveiled.
One of Sheffield's most iconic buildings could undergo a huge makeover following a proposed £45 million investment.
The design proposals were revealed at Sheffield City Council's Strategy and Resources Committee, which approved the next stage of design work and the preparation of a full business case for the project.
The plans will see £45m invested into the Crucible to upgrade and expand the venue.
Credit: Press images (Sheffield City Council)
The transformation will include the ability to increase its capacity by 50%, from its current 964 seats to a 1,500-seat theatre in the round, as well as wider improvements to modernise both the visitor experience and the behind-the-scenes facilities.
Approval also allows for further progress to be made on the funding strategy for the project.
Credit: Press images (Sheffield City Council)
Councillor Fran Belbin, Leader of Sheffield City Council, said: "The Crucible has played a central role in Sheffield's cultural identity for more than 50 years and I am delighted that we are moving forward with this project to ensure that this remains the case for the foreseeable future.
"These new images bring the vision for its future to life showing how we can preserve both its unique atmosphere and its legacy while creating a modern, sustainable venue fit for generations to come.
"This investment represents a huge vote of confidence in Sheffield's cultural offer and city centre, and we're taking an important step towards securing the long-term future of this world-renowned venue and the economic, social and cultural benefits it brings to our city."
So, what do you think? Do you like the look of the new Crucible?
July already? We're Cruz-ing through the year. Meet this Northern Indie rock band who've been crowned Audio North's latest Artist of the Month.
Sam, Tom, Jamie and Ethan, better known by band-name Cruz, are well and truly making a name for themselves with a whole host of gig dates scattered throughout the Summer.
Live music lovers are about to become very familiar with the 'Disco Colour Beams' songwriters, as Cruz' Summer schedule includes Isle of Wight Festival, Truck Festival and two Sheffield dates.
The Sheff-based shows are special for the fourpiece as they're hometown shows at both Everywhere At Once Festival and the incredible Tramlines Festival - Congrats lads.
Cruz are feeling the love, as the reason they're heading out to Tramlines is because they were voted the Fans' Pick, and this recognition continues as they've been chosen by Audio North to be our Artist of the Month.
An interview with Cruz | Audio North's Artist of the Month: July
Cruz-ing there way from festival to festival this Summer, the Sheffield band sat down with Audio North to talk Artist of the Month title / Credit: Press Shots (supplied)
For those who don't know, introduce us to Cruz
Tom and Sam were jamming in early 2022 before deciding to start a band while looking for other members, with Ethan and Jamie finding out through friends of friends.
Ahead of their first live gig, Cruz were drummer-less, Ethan's recruitment was lifesaving for the band as he stepped up a week before and never looked back since, four years strong.
How has Sheffield shaped you as a band?
It's such a rich city full of creatives, music-based as well as even broader to art and culture, Sheffield isn't just a city, it's a support system.
When we were starting out we got involved with all the local gig venues, who are always on the lookout to champion upcoming bands, it was so nice.
Do you feel any connection to this city's musical heritage?
Pulp, Arctic Monkeys and Richard Hawley of course, Human League and Def Leppard, the list goes on.
Growing up in Sheffield and going to gigs at The Leadmill was so incredible too.
What have been some of your favourite live shows so far?
Sidney and Matilda is prominent to us because it's where we played our very first headline date. We also supported Overpass, which was our fifth show ever as the band as we know it, then playing our headline in the same room was awesome.
Sam, Tom, Jamie and Ethan, better known as Cruz, are making waves in the Sheffield music scene / Credit: Press Shot (supplied)
If someone wanted to experience the Sheffield music scene, where would you take them?
The Washington does free shows with bands and acoustic sets, making it accessible for everyone. The majority of venues in Sheffield are always hosting gigs.
Kelham Island has a lot of free entry venues too, it's great, getting to watch four or five bands playing out all on one night in this current economy is top tier.
Tramlines and Tramlines Fringe is chaotic in the best way, you never know what to expect but you'll leave with a buzz of energy every single time.
What's some of your favourite songs by these artists?
'Soundcheck Your Soul' by The North they've got so many great tunes, they're an amazing band. Montello's 'Suit and Tie', 'Runaway Instead' The Rosadocs.
Playing out at various festivals across the UK, for this Sheffield act it's Tramlines which is the most important to them / Credit: Press Shot (supplied)
What's your favourite track off your newest EP?
Jamie picked 'Man of the People' quoting it as a 'Proper anthem', 'I Get By' is Ethan's pick, it's a track which has been in the works for a while but now the band have finally cracked the code.
While Sam's favourite song is 'Amsterdam' as it's the most personal to him and it's a chilled out number.
The Sheffield sausage shop reinventing the humble sausage with ever-changing flavours
Clementine Hall
Forget what you know about sausages, because Piper's Sheffield is changing the game.
There's no denying that us Brits love a good sausage.
It's a porky staple that crops up in our diet in numerous forms: sausage and mash, sausage rolls, sausage sandwiches - their versatility is truly inspiring.
But there's one person who loves them more than most, and that's the lovely Nick from Piper's Artisan Sausage.
Images: The Sheff
Located in Crosspool, Piper's is a sort of butchers/deli that specialise in, well, sausages.
They have an ever-changing menu of bangers that are inspired by recipes and flavours from across the globe.
From a roasted butternut squash sausage and a Vietnamese Nem Muong to a pepperoni pizza-inspired sausage, you'll never want to eat a Cumberland ever again.
They even stock a selection of veggie sausages so no one has to miss out on the sausage party (sorry, I had to).
Images: The Sheff
You can buy the sausages raw to take home, perfect for barbecue season if you ask us.
But they also make their own sausage rolls, sandwiches, sauces and plenty more, all using ingredients prepared in-house.
Nick and Libby also smoke their own ham in the back and make their own lasagna which is basically famous at this point, if you're not feeling sausages that day.
So if you're looking to stock up for your next BBQ or after trying something different with your mash, all whilst supporting a local business, then Piper's is the spot for you.
They're stocking high quality products unlike anything you'll find in a supermarket, and we're very lucky to have them here in our city.
Clementine Hall -
17th July 2026 
