Leaders to showcase Sheffield as a global, green and growing city at UK’s largest real estate event

Sheffield City Council’s flagship Heart of the City development in Sheffield City Centre

Sheffield’s leaders head to the UK’s largest real estate and investment event next week, ready to showcase Sheffield as a global, green and growing city that is delivering dynamic spaces to work, live and play.

A delegation from the city comprising of elected officials, civic leaders and businesspeople will attend the UK’s Real Estate Investment and Infrastructure Forum (UKREiiF) in Leeds on 21-23 May. The event is attended by 12,000 delegates from around the world. 

Sheffield will be attending in partnership with the South Yorkshire Mayoral Authority to shine a light on recent progress. The delegation will demonstrate the city’s commitment to reimagining the city centre, preserving heritage and leading the way on carbon net zero.

Championed as the ‘Outdoor City’, Sheffield is raising its global profile and is home to groundbreaking initiatives like the world's first Advanced Manufacturing Innovation District, the UK's first Investment Zone, and the Sheffield Olympic Legacy Park.

The conference also provides a platform to shout about the city’s game changing city centre regeneration, including the Sheffield City Council-led £470m Heart of the City scheme that has delivered innovative new developments interlinked by world class green spaces.

Its buildings make statements and key recent developments include Cambridge Street Collective, which is Europe’s largest purpose-built food hall, and Elshaw House – South Yorkshire’s first zero carbon-ready office.

At dozens of events across a three-day programme, the team will demonstrate how Sheffield is confidently driving its next phase of growth through investment, skills, education, housing and transport infrastructure.

Delegates will hear how 36,000 new homes are being delivered across the city with 20,000 in the central area. Plans, developed in partnership with Homes England, will create three vibrant news areas. The first of which at Furnace Hill and Neepsend has already received £67m funding from the Government.

Key speakers will include Kate Josephs, Chief Executive of Sheffield City Council, Cllr Tom Hunt, Leader of Sheffield City Council and Oliver Coppard, South Yorkshire Mayor. They will be joined by businesses and organisations including Legal & General, Homes England, Sheffield Chamber of Commerce and Sheffield Property Association.

Sheffield City Council Chief Executive, Kate Josephs, said:

"We are so proud of what we are delivering in Sheffield right now.

“Our major city centre regeneration projects are providing stunning architecture, celebrating our heritage and identity, and aligning with our net zero goals. Confidence is coursing through the city and we’re harnessing this to drive our next phase of growth.”

Councillor Tom Hunt, Leader of Sheffield City Council, added:

"Collaboration is at the heart of everything we do as a Council. We have a landmark housing partnership with Homes England, and we’re working with South Yorkshire’s Mayor to deliver the UK’s first Investment Zone, helping to leverage Sheffield's market leading advanced manufacturing, health tech and life sciences sectors.

“Sheffield understands growth and we have a long-term plan to make it happen. Our growth plan forecasts £3 billion of investment into the city, and we look forward to sharing these successes and opportunities during UKREiiF 2024.”

The Sheffield Showcase at Leeds Royal Armouries takes place on Tuesday 21 May from 2.15pm to 3.15pm, with a panel featuring:

• Cllr Tom Hunt, Leader of Sheffield City Council
• Kate Josephs, Chief Executive of Sheffield City Council
• Homes England
• Legal & General
• Sheffield Olympic Legacy Park
• Louisa Harrison-Walker, Chief Executive Officer of Sheffield Chamber of Commerce as Chair.

There are many more opportunities to hear from the Sheffield delegation during the conference and topics for discussion include how Sheffield City Council and the Mayor of South Yorkshire have partnered to drive ambitious improvements to bus services and an expansion of the tram network delivering a coordinated mass transit system for the region.

An expansion to the district heating network will also be showcased giving delegates the opportunity to hear how the largest network in the country is putting the city at the forefront of sustainable energy infrastructure.

The success of innovative partnerships with the city’s two world class universities, which are already delivering innovative labs and accelerators within a new Innovation Spine, as well as  the UK’s first Investment Zone will also be highlighted.

South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority Showcase

Tuesday 21 May, 11:00-12:00, Cinema Stage, UKREiiF

Public Sector Decarbonisation - Realising Opportunities and Overcoming Challenges; Sponsored by Coreus Group

Tuesday 21 May, 10:30 - 11:30, Meeting Room 5, The Department, UKREiiF

Sheffield Drinks Reception; Sponsored by Sheffield Property Association

Tuesday 21 May, from 16:00, Stand E40, New Dock Hall, UKREiiF

Regeneration & Sustainability - how do we provide the right homes in the right places?

Wednesday 22 May, 10:00 - 11:00, Citu Offices, Leeds Dock

Commercial Property and Urban Centre Renewal; Sponsored by Trowers & Hamlins

Wednesday 22 May, 14:15 - 15:15, Dockside Pavilion, UKREiiF

Institute of Directors Property & Built Environment Group and Sheffield Property Associate Drinks Reception

Wednesday 22 May, 17:00 - 19:00, Malmaison Leeds, Leeds City Centre

Invest in South Yorkshire Breakfast with South Yorkshire JESSICA and SY Pension Funds

Thursday 23 May, 08:00-10:00, Horizon, Brewery Wharf, Leeds

How South Yorkshire's Innovation District is Regenerating Communities; Sponsored by HLM Architects

Thursday 23 May, 10:45 - 11:45, Newsroom Stage, UKREiiF