BOOK NOW | South Yorkshire Development Update
For companies looking for a Northern edge: join Place as we cross the Pennines to gain market intel and meet the key players in South Yorkshire, which boasts a growing population of 1.4m and a £27bn economy.
Join us on 10 September at the South Yorkshire Development Update to hear directly from all four councils and the combined authority on their priorities and pipelines, as well as panel discussions on the reopening of Doncaster Sheffield Airport and regeneration across the region’s cities and towns.
Held at Voco Sheffield, this half-day conference will bring together public and private sector leaders to explore the latest development pipeline and the major schemes set to drive South Yorkshire’s growth.
Representatives from each local authority and the Combined Authority will provide updates on development activity in their areas, while two expert panel sessions will examine some of the region’s biggest opportunities.
One will focus on the reopening of Doncaster Sheffield Airport, with key industry figures discussing the challenges and potential of bringing this strategic asset back into operation. The second will explore urban regeneration, bringing together public and private sector speakers to discuss the transformation of South Yorkshire’s towns and cities.
The event also offers extensive networking opportunities, with breakfast and lunch included, giving delegates plenty of time to connect with developers, contractors, consultants, investors and local authority representatives.
The event is sponsored by SCP, Sheffield City Council, Leeds College of Building, Taylor Emmet, and Counter Context.
Expert speakers confirmed so far:
Damian Allen, chief executive, Doncaster Council
Prior to being chief executive at Doncaster Council, Allen held the council’s statutory chief officer role for Children (DCS) and Adults (DASS). In 2022, Doncaster became the North’s newest City. He is a qualified teacher and has taught in middle and secondary schools, further and higher education. He was a senior manager in education for six years and a governor in every phase of education before moving into local authorities, initially in school improvement, where he was Ofsted trained and then worked in wider children’s services.
Dan Harper, head of economic development, Barnsley Council
Harper leads strategic initiatives to drive inclusive growth, investment, and regeneration across Barnsley. With extensive experience in local government and place-based development, he oversees programmes spanning business support, inward investment, skills, and town centre transformation, working closely with partners to deliver key economic priorities. Harper plays a central role in shaping Barnsley’s long-term economic vision, driving sustainable development and creating opportunities that benefit residents, businesses and communities across the borough.
Sian Stanhope, development manager, Urban Splash
Stanhope leads two of the company’s flagship regeneration projects in Sheffield: the transformation of the grade two-listed Park Hill and the redevelopment of the former Cole Brothers department store in the Heart of the City. Prior to joining Urban Splash, she held key roles at LCR Property, where she led high-profile public sector collaborations and served as project lead on major schemes in Bedford (St John’s) and Hull, working closely with local authorities through initiatives such as the One Public Estate programme. Earlier in her career, she spent five years in local government, including with Barnsley Council, where she played a key role in the Principal Towns Project.
Jonathan Wilson, managing director, Citu
Both Citu and Wilson are dedicated to creating the most impactful places for our planet. With a deep passion for sustainable development and innovative design, he plays a key role in shaping Citu’s mission to build environmentally conscious, forward-thinking urban spaces. Wilson is also a commissioner for the Leeds Climate Commission
Ros Jones, elected Mayor of Doncaster
Jones has been Mayor of Doncaster since 2013, having been elected for a fourth term in 2025. Jones is currently a member of both the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority and is co-chair of the South Yorkshire Business Recovery and Growth board. Since becoming elected Mayor, Ros has led Doncaster Council out of government intervention early, and introduced wide ranging improvements, including successful policies to support the local economy & job creation. In 2017 Ros was awarded a CBE for services to Local Government.
Andrew Bramidge, executive director regeneration & environment, Rotherham Council
Bramidge oversees Rotherham’s ambitious growth and regeneration agenda, its new Local Plan, and the delivery of cultural and leisure services. The development of the Don Valley Corridor and the Rotherham Gateway Station will be transformative for South Yorkshire and forms a central part of his role. Andrew’s career spans more than 30 years of regeneration programme delivery, including spells in senior local government positions and the leadership of arms-length public-private delivery companies.
Mark Edwards, development director, Capital&Centric
With a career spanning housing development, project delivery and strategic leadership across the Midlands and North West, he leads Capital&Centric’s regeneration activity – the company’s bold ambition to bring design-led homes and genuine community to suburban locations that have long been overlooked.
Steve Allcoat, head of assets, capital & engineering, Doncaster Sheffield Airport
Allcoat is an accomplished aviation facilities and asset management professional with an extensive career spanning 11 UK airports. Currently driving operational and infrastructure excellence at Doncaster Sheffield Airport, he leverages deep industry expertise to optimise high-value airport assets, streamline complex transitions, and deliver strategic facility management solutions.
Harriet Knowles, director of regeneration, Counter Context
Knowles has worked across city centre regeneration, residential development, waste and energy infrastructure, and transport. She designs and implements communications and PR programmes to support projects at every stage of development. Knowles is a recognised specialist in designing community and political engagement programmes needed to support sensitive and challenging planning applications.
Nick Weston, chief executive officer & founder, Weston Aviation
Weston Aviation is one of the UK’s leading private aviation companies, specialising in ground handling and charter services for private jets for business and leisure travel. Weston Aviation has recently announced the reopening of their services at Doncaster Airport.
Rob Holmes, vice-principal, Leeds College of Building
Holmes leads on quality assurance, curriculum development and innovation across the college. He plays a key role in LCB’s position as lead partner for the Yorkshire & Humber Construction Technical Excellence College network, and is closely involved in regional initiatives to strengthen the construction skills pipeline. He regularly speaks on employer-education collaboration, apprenticeships, and closing regional skills gaps in construction.
- Abbie Miladinovic, strategic lead – investment zone, growth, business and skills, South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority
- Kate Martin, executive director, Sheffield City Council
- Julian Stott, development director, Peel Land
The event will take place on Thursday 10 September, from 8am to midday at voco Sheffield, 119 Norfolk St, Sheffield City Centre.
Tickets cost £90+VAT. Local authorities and registered providers can purchase tickets at a 50% discount. Breakfast and lunch is included.
Book using the form below – if you can’t see the form, please contact [email protected]
