A comprehensive ten-year plan aimed at driving economic growth and enhancing the quality of life for residents, workers, and businesses in Sheffield has been approved. The Sheffield Growth Plan, endorsed by the Strategy and Resources Committee last week, outlines ambitions to leverage the city's economic strengths to achieve long-term growth.
The plan, known as Sheffield’s Growth Plan 2025-2035, is built on robust, independent economic analysis, extensive local engagement, and consultation with local, national, and global experts. Central to this plan are four ambitious missions, developed through a thorough evaluation of Sheffield’s economic landscape, its unique strengths, and the challenges it faces.
One key mission is to elevate Sheffield’s international reputation and attract more visitors by celebrating and expanding its cultural and creative sectors. The plan emphasises that enhancing the city's vibrancy, cultural offerings, and creative enterprises is crucial for economic growth.
Sheffield boasts a rich cultural identity, from its industrial heritage to its renowned music and arts scene, and numerous vibrant events and festivals. The cultural sector significantly benefits the city, with over 2,000 cultural and creative businesses providing around 9,000 jobs and generating nearly £1 billion in economic impact annually. Arts and culture not only attract tourists but also create jobs and support businesses in hospitality and retail. Research indicates that every pound invested in culture yields substantial returns through local economic activity.
Over the past 18 months, Sheffield City Council, in collaboration with city partners, has developed core strategies to guide their plans. The Destination Management Plan offers a framework for expanding Sheffield’s visitor economy. Additionally, the Cultural Strategy, the Joined-up Heritage Strategy, the city’s leisure strategy, and the developing major events plan will align to create a cohesive approach, determining the future growth of the sector.
The plans also highlight the ambition to invest in the future talent pipeline for the creative and cultural sectors. This includes providing all children and young people with clear pathways to pursue creative hobbies, passions, and careers in communities, schools, and higher education.
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Video credit: Sheffield City Council
