After two years of speculation following the inaugural UKREiiF 2022 event, the event organisers have confirmed they are scouting for a potential new city to host the event for the years 2025, 2026, and 2027.

UKREiiF (The UK’s Real Estate Investment and Infrastructure Forum) drew 7,500 official delegates and 2,000 fringe delegates in 2023. A report by ARUP disclosed that the event injected over £12 million into the Leeds economy while the city experienced 100% hotel occupancy. Given the current trajectory, the event is projected to welcome 15,000 visitors to Leeds in May 2024, potentially generating more than £20 million for the local economy. Attendees comprised government and local authority representatives, investors, developers, occupiers, and the broader built environment industry.

Event organisers, Built Environment Networking, have collaborated with industry experts to spotlight cities capable of accommodating the event and its anticipated growth. Shortlisted cities include the current host, Leeds, as well as Manchester, Birmingham, and Liverpool.

Chief Executive Keith Griffiths commented on the announcement: “The rapid growth of UKREiiF has fast-tracked our plans. We're now exploring options to future-proof the event, prompting our review of the venue and host city. While Leeds remains a contender for 2025 and beyond, and the feedback about the city has been stellar, we've been equally impressed by other cities we've visited. The potential venues and the teams we might collaborate with make the decision challenging.”

Louise Eyre, Operations Director at UKREiiF, added, “The event's footprint is set to double for 2024, with 18 additional pavilions and several new buildings and locations incorporated. The demand to participate has been overwhelming. We have ambitious plans to expand our audience and the activities at UKREiiF. Hence, we're aiming to future-proof the event by choosing a venue and city that align with our growth expectations.”

Nathan Spencer, Director at UKREiiF, stated, “In 2023, we generated £12.1m in local economic impact in Leeds and created £2.25m of social impact. We're eager to amplify these figures. It's not just about the city and venue; it's about collaborating with the public and private sectors and communities to ensure UKREiiF evolves beyond an event. Our vision for UKREiiF is to be a catalyst for change. Part of our decision will hinge on a city's potential to foster positive changes in our sector and offer opportunities for local communities.”

UKREiiF has rapidly ascended as the UK’s premier property and infrastructure event. In 2024, it will be held at Leeds Dock from 21st to 23rd May. The forum bridges investors from the UK and abroad to UK development and regeneration opportunities, fostering industry-wide best practice, knowledge sharing, and thought leadership.