Sheffield’s property sector well placed heading into ‘Corona Age’ report shows

Unemployment, trade and health appear to have suffered less than Manchester, Newcastle and Nottingham, the paper by Sheffield firm Kada Research says.

The ‘Covid-19 Special Bulletin’ was commissioned by Sheffield Property Association to assess the risks and opportunities in the city’s property sector in the wake of the outbreak.

Between March and May, Sheffield’s claimant count rose from 3.1 per cent (11,800) to 6 per cent (23,000), but it had the lowest rate of the core cities and was below the UK’s 6.4 per cent

During lockdown, property professionals, including planners, project managers and architects, transitioned to working from home.

By the end of June, three quarters of 31 construction schemes were back on site but working under-capacity due to safer working practices and a supply chain slow down.

Residential developments for students under construction will add 3,700 bed spaces and 250,000 ft2 of commercial development to Sheffield city centre.

Now, S-PA members have four big asks:

Strong civic leadership and business voice to boost investor and visitor confidence.A green and low carbon renaissanceCelebrating the Outdoor City and wellbeing with a focus on lifestyle‘Levelling-up’ the city, less ‘town cramming’ and improving the city centre.

Martin McKervey, chair of Sheffield Property Association, said strong property foundations remained in place.

“However, that does not mean we stop to congratulate each other. We must use the fact we have found a way to navigate through this situation as a springboard to a bigger and more ambitious future. Now is the time to open the door to the rest of the UK. Sheffield is a competitive location with a compelling story – so let’s tell it.”

Helen Johnson, a partner at Kennedys law firm and S-PA member, said stronger civic leadership was needed.

“As an association that undeniably has the city’s best interests at heart, we believe that stronger civic leadership and a business voice is needed to help drive forward a successful plan for the city.“This means ensuring that the Green City Strategy becomes a reality, levelling up so there is less division between affluent and deprived areas, and above all else, we need be celebrating and shouting about our world class outdoor and well being offer – now more than ever.”

Established in 2017, the S-PA has 73 members including land owning and development businesses and property organisations.