It has seen a variety of uses, and occupies a prominent site beside the Porter Brook, surrounded by car parks.
In 2001, Yorkshire Artspace moved to purpose-built premises at Persistence Works, and the building stood largely empty, other than a small part used by a recording studio.
In 2005, the Works were used as a convergence centre for opposition to the G8 Finance Ministers' meeting in Sheffield.
In June 2006, Yorkshire Forward, who had acquired the building, secured a court order demanding the eviction of the occupants.
[1] In Autumn 2012 work has begun for a "New build and refurbishment of existing Sidney Works buildings to form a new university technical college, with associated external works including flood lit rooftop multi-use games area"