The Academy Music Group has announced further expansion with deals to open new 'Academy' venues in Leeds and Sheffield, in addition to their previously announced development in Brighton.
The live music firm, partly owned by promoters Metropolis and SJM, and the partnership between Irish firm Gaiety and live music conglom Live Nation, has announced it will relaunch Leeds' Town And Country Club and Sheffield's former Roxy nightclub as Academy venues. As previously reported, Brighton's Hippodrome is already being redeveloped to become part of the Academy network.
The company's CEO, John Northcote, told Billboard this week: "It's just a progression of my vision for the company, that every major location in the UK would have an Academy Music venue. Brighton, Sheffield and Leeds are three major UK towns and cities which don't have a quality mid-range, live music venue".
Metropolis boss Bob Angus added: "Historically, we tend to find where there is a need and get in there and open a venue. And once in, you build the live circuit in the area as you go. It helps with the growth of the [sector]".