South Yorkshire Development Update | Summary + photos
The room was heaving as more than 150 people gathered for Place Yorkshire’s inaugural South Yorkshire event, sponsored by Counter Context and SCP Transport Planning.
Expert speakers
- Tim Heatley, co-founder, Capital&Centric
- Kate Martin, executive director, Sheffield City Council
- Alan Seasman, head of regeneration, Sheffield City Council
- Gemma Hardiman, University of Sheffield
- Jon Rigby, director, Bond Bryan
- Sian Stanhope, development manager, Urban Splash
- Sarah Scholes, group leader capital projects, Barnsley Council
- Alison Dalton, group leader strategic housing, Barnsley Council
- Alex Dochery, investment team manager, City of Doncaster Council
- Lee Powell, managing director, Henry Boot Construction
- Harriet Knowles, director, Counter Context
- Colin Blackburn, director of housing & infrastructure, South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority
Sheffield: Social impact through development and growth markets
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Capital & Centric’s expansion in Sheffield continues with the former Cannon Brewery site – 500 new homes and public realm – interim activations like paddle courts to build footfall, and a mixed-use scheme on Fitzwilliam Street
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Sheffield’s unique urban identity is seen as a strength in shaping locally grounded developments that support graduate retention and appeal to young talent
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Heritage buildings present challenges but also provide long-term placemaking and commercial value
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The city’s Growth Plan outlines delivery of 38,000 new homes (18,000 in the city centre), with a strong focus on culture, internationalisation, and economic regeneration
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Key development sites include Moorfoot, Furnace Hill, and Neepsend, all positioned within or adjacent to emerging innovation and transport corridors
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Collaboration with Homes England and local partners is enabling larger-scale opportunities, though commercial viability and infrastructure constraints remain key challenges
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Runway Park, located within the South Yorkshire Investment Zone, aims to drive innovation and economic growth through a new R&D-led mixed-use district. The scheme will deliver new advanced manufacturing, workspace, and collaborative facilities and combines high-spec industrial and flexible commercial space with natural landscapes to support occupier wellbeing, collaboration, and retention
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Public-private collaboration was cited as essential for unlocking Sheffield’s full potential, especially around infrastructure, connectivity, and long-term investment
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The panel reinforced the importance of high-quality public spaces and community-driven placemaking
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Urban Splash’s Coles Brothers project is ‘one to watch’ in the city centre
‘It’s not just about ambition – it’s about delivery. I hope today’s presentations have shown just how much is happening across the region. Over the past decade, we’ve proven that we do large-scale regeneration well – from Barnsley town centre, to Heart of the City, to Forge Island in Rotherham, and iPort. This isn’t just about individual housing schemes: it’s housing-led, employment-led, and full city and town centre transformation. We’ve built a model that works.’ Colin Blackburn, SYMCA
Further afield: Digital innovation, investment pipelines, and opportunities
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Barnsley Council presented its 2030 vision, with regeneration, health, and economic renewal at the core of its strategy
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The Glass Works redevelopment has transformed Barnsley town centre, delivering a new library, cinema, bowling alley, shops, market kitchen, and pedestrian bridge. Health infrastructure is being integrated into the high street, with a community diagnostic centre already in place and further health hubs planned
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The Seam Digital Campus is underway, focused on supporting the growth of the digital and creative industries. Phase one is already 90% occupied, with proposals for a National Centre for Digital Technologies and a hotel in future phases
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The reopening of Doncaster Sheffield Airport is central to plans for a sustainable aviation cluster and advanced manufacturing hub
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Major regeneration is underway in Doncaster city centre, including a new civic and cultural quarter, grade A office development, and public realm enhancement
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Key employment and residential opportunities identified at Gateway East, iPort, and Doncaster North, with plans including large-scale industrial and logistics space supported by new road links and rail freight infrastructure
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The panel stressed the importance of having a skilled workforce for the industry, something Henry Boot is focused on
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Doncaster is expanding employment academies and training pathways, working closely with local education providers to upskill the workforce, while Barnsley’s Pathways to Work initiative supports skills development aligned to local employer needs
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The South Yorkshire Combined Authority reinforced the importance of devolution, shared risk, and cross-sector collaboration
