Sheffield Inspires.
Always has.
Always will.
Across culture, industry, leisure, society and the environment, Sheffield is a place that has inspired change for the better in huge and fundamental ways.
At UKREiiF 2025, we are showcasing the ways that you and your business can be a part of our continuing growth and success story. There has never been a better time to invest in a city that has just moved up 14 places - in one year - in Resonance's Europe's Best Cities report.
Kate Josephs,
Chief Executive of Sheffield City Council
This year, UKREiiF will provide a key platform to unveil our new Growth Plan.
We have an ambitious housing plan, with a landmark partnership with Homes England helping us deliver 35,000 new homes. As part of this, we’ll be shining a light on new neighbourhood development sites around Moorfoot and Sheffield Station Campus. As a city, we are driving economic growth through our leading advanced manufacturing, health tech and creative industries, with a focus on the Advanced Manufacturing Innovation District (AMID) and our evolving city centre Innovation Spine. We’re also pushing forward with key expansions to our tram system and district heat network, ensuring the city’s infrastructure is ready for major long-term growth.
Sheffield events at UKREiiF 2025
Sheffield Inspires
Our showcase event
Come and find out more about Sheffield's approach, character, partnerships and plans. We aren't here to tell you the same old stuff that every city tells you - we do things our way, with purpose, and a constant focus on how it can inspire for good, be it locally, regionally, nationally or internationally.
Presented by:
Cllr Tom Hunt (Leader of Sheffield City Council) & Kate Josephs (Chief Executive)
Date:
Tuesday 20th May
Time:
2.15pm-3.15pm
Venue:
Cinema Theatre
Our housing growth plan
Boosting the delivery of more homes, and greater housing choice
In partnership with Homes England, the city is progressing a range of schemes to meet its draft Local Plan target of 38,000 new homes, including Attercliffe Waterside - a flagship zero-carbon community of 1,000 homes.
At UKREiiF, we will unveil new neighbourhood plans for Moorfoot and the Sheffield Station Campus, showcasing long-term commitment to sustainable, inclusive regeneration and city centre living.
Panel session: Tuesday 20th May, 10 - 10.45am, South Yorkshire pavilion
Our Innovation Spine
The future of urban development for innovators
The Innovation Spine is a 20-year spatial and economic vision to create a city centre district for labs, incubators, and flexible workspaces - ideal for spin-outs and start-ups to scale. With rising investment activity and strong university backing, the city centre is becoming a hub for high-growth, knowledge-led businesses.
Panel session chaired by Emma Frost: Tuesday 20th May, 12 - 12.45pm, South Yorkshire pavilion
Building Sheffield’s energy resilience
Supporting a sustainable and inclusive energy economy
Sheffield is setting a bold ambition to lead the way in becoming a low-carbon, sustainable city. In 2025, key milestones include the launch of Sheffield’s Local Area Energy Plan, which will shape the city’s long-term energy future; the procurement of the first major expansion of the district heating network through the Government’s Advanced Zoning Pilot; and investment in the green skills needed to support local people into jobs that will power the net zero economy.
Panel session: Wednesday 21st May, 10 - 10.45am, South Yorkshire pavilion
Sheffield Growth Plan
Our blueprint for investment in our economic success
We will unveil our vision to transform the city centre into a dynamic hub for business, residential, retail, leisure, and knowledge. As pioneers in the shift toward a low-carbon, sustainable future, we are addressing the climate impact across homes, businesses, energy, and transport, while prioritising the development of green skills.
This 10-year Growth Plan is a promise to our communities, businesses, and stakeholders—a collective vision for an economically prosperous Sheffield. We invite all partners, locally, regionally, nationally, and internationally, to join us in this inspiring journey and be part of Sheffield's bright future.
Panel session: Wednesday 21st May, 4 - 4.45pm, South Yorkshire pavilion
Sheffield Property Association
Set to make a splash!
The Sheffield Property Association (S-PA) unites businesses dedicated to improving the city’s built environment. By supporting, celebrating, and promoting Sheffield, S-PA connects land-owning and development businesses with key stakeholders and partners to build strong, lasting relationships that enhance the city's growth and infrastructure.
This year, S-PA are hosting a waterfront meeting space moored at Dock 14. The space will feature a programme of engaging podcasts, roundtable discussions, and networking opportunities, aimed at fostering collaboration and growth within Sheffield’s property sector.
Property development
The role of local authorities and impact funds in stimulating regional economic growth
The South Yorkshire JESSICA Fund provides vital development debt funding for commercial property and regeneration projects across South Yorkshire at competitive rates. Since its launch, the Fund has facilitated assets worth £188m and has helped attract £84m in private-sector capital, leveraging investment that otherwise may not have reached the region.
What sets the Fund apart is its ability to offer unique benefits that traditional debt markets cannot, such as interest subsidies and preferred rental loans. Designed to support developers, the Fund focuses on unlocking challenging or unviable schemes and works closely with local authorities to drive regional growth.
Breakfast session: Thursday 22nd May, 7.30 - 9.30am, South Yorkshire pavilion
"Few European urban centres have experienced a rebirth like this"
Heart of the City: a bold vision, delivered.
We have set a new benchmark with the completion of the Heart of the City regeneration project, proving what can be achieved through bold ambition and collaboration. Delivered on time and on budget, the development is already over 80% let, with deals in progress pushing it beyond 90%. It features a world-class public realm and park, offering inviting green spaces for all to enjoy.
The project is also home to Europe’s largest purpose-built food hall, recently awarded Best Food Hall 2024, alongside a fresh and bold retail offer. One of the UK’s most sustainable office buildings has set a new benchmark for office rents, attracting significant investor and developer interest. Increased confidence in the city centre’s residential market is evident with rising rental levels.
Most importantly, Heart of the City highlights the power of partnerships and demonstrates that Sheffield City Council can successfully deliver transformative regeneration projects. It’s a clear example of how Sheffield is raising expectations and shaping a vibrant future for the city.
Transforming Sheffield City Centre
Get in touch
Marianne Hawksworth
Invest Sheffield Team
Sheffield City Council
+44 (0)114 223 2353
