A sold out charity Northern Soul featuring legends Russ Winstanley and Norman Jay MBE took place in November bringing hundreds to the venue for the first time in years.
The former cinema on Ship Hill / High Street in the town centre is a large restoration project. It is also known as the Essoldo building and was built in 1913 as the Empire Theatre. It has since operated as a cinema, snooker hall and nightclub.
The site is allocated for retail purposes in the borough's Local Plan but the applicant, Mark McGrail and SME Holdings Ltd, has secured permission for the change of use of the premises from a night club use to a theatre / music venue use class.
The plans stated: "The predominant use will be as a Music venue, this includes an alcohol licence for drinks to be consumed on the premises which we believe is what the current building use currently has. It is important that the building has a diverse use if it is to thrive and this will include drinking establishment, venue for live music as well as recorded music, concert hall, dance hall, nightclub and theatre."
The Council’s Environmental Health Officer stated: "The building already has permission for use as a nightclub and it is therefore considered that the levels of noise that would be generated as a result of the proposed use would be similar to its previously use, and it is therefore not likely to result in any additional impact on local amenity."
Rotherham Business News reported that the plans were approved without going before the council's planning board.
Operators have already applied for a premises licence with the opening hours from 12:00 to 04:30 with licenced activities, including the sale by retail of alcohol for consumption on the premises only, taking place until 4am.
The next scheduled event is on Saturday December 6, when local producer Shak Jackson Presents: The Afters - An Afternoon of Piano House. An afternoon of Motown is set for December 13 featuring soul singer Andy Abraham. A Jingle Bell Ball on December 19 is expected to be a highlight of the festive party season.
Looking ahead to 2026, the Empire Sessions are set to launch on March 7 with house music legend, and former Cream resident DJ, Seb Fontaine. Organisers say that want to bring back "house classics with pure nostalgia and top vibes."
Operators are also planning to open for Rotherham United home games to cater for the football crowds.
Empire Theatre website
Images: Empire Theatre
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