Sheffield unveils £28bn infrastructure plan

MIPIM UK NEWS: A £28bn plan to underpin the economic growth of the Sheffield city region, creating 70,000 new jobs and 6,000 new businesses, was unveiled yesterday. The Integrated Infrastructure Plan – the first of its kind outside London – details how the Sheffield city region will speed up improvements to infrastructure for key projects across the region’s nine districts. Transport, investment-ready commercial space, digital connections, new homes, improved flood defences and sustainable energy are all important parts of the package. Major projects identified as priorities include the Advanced Manufacturing Innovation District; Doncaster Sheffield Airport and the surrounding area; maximising the benefits of HS2; and regeneration in town and city centres. Ros Jones, mayor of Doncaster and chair of the Sheffield City Region Combined Authority’s infrastructure executive board, said: “Our region is a great place to do business and we already have a track record of delivering new infrastructure projects that bring economic growth, job creation and new housing. “Schemes like Great Yorkshire Way, which opened earlier this year, linking Doncaster Sheffield Airport to the motorway network, demonstrate that putting the right infrastructure in place can have a huge impact.” She added: “Since it opened, the airport is enjoying a record year, with new operators and routes, the £500m iPort has already announced three tenants and the first tranche of new homes are being built. It is a £56m road that is enabling and securing around £1.7bn of new private sector investment. This plan is a visionary way forward and is designed to help the region achieve its ambitious key targets.” Martin McKervey, Nabarro partner and chair of the city region’s infrastructure development group, said the integrated infrastructure plan would make the region ready for investors and play a key part in the Northern Powerhouse. He said: “Thanks to devolution, and the funding it will bring, the plan can underpin our path as we take greater control over our future economic prosperity.” • To send feedback, e-mail Samantha.McClary@estatesgazette.com or tweet @Samanthamcclary or @estatesgazette Click here for the news, views and analysis from MIPIM UK.