What is the Future of Our High Streets?

*UPDATE - This event has been postponed until September 2021, exact date tbc.*

Covid-19 has only heightened pre-existing issues with the make-up of our high streets and city centres. The steady growth of online sales, matched with falling revenue in high street retail amidst soaring costs in rent and business rates, has resulted in key questions about the future of our city. This is compounded by the now-widespread adoption of remote working and the likely drop in use of office space in Sheffield city centre.

This event brings together Council officers and academics to discuss the future of the places we live, work and shop. Sheffield's recent hard-won bid for significant investment into the city centre could present some welcome solutions, but it’s clear that radical revisioning is required. What lies ahead for Sheffield's high streets?

Speakers:

• Julian Dobson - Hallam University & Event Chair

• Professor Vanessa Toulmin - Director of City & Culture, Partnerships and Regional Engagement University of Sheffield

• Nalin Seneviratne - Director - City Centre Development SCC

• Jesse Matheson - University of Sheffield - CoPERI & Senior lecturer in economics

• Sara Boonham - Sector lead for Town and City Regeneration at Gleeds

• Rosie Dodgson - The Sheffield Civic Trust