HS2 and its effects on Sheffield

HS2 and its effects on Sheffield

What is it?

I am chatting about HS2 and its effects on Sheffield.  But firstly what is HS2, I hear you ask?  Well, it is a new high speed railway linking up London, the Midlands, the North and Scotland.  It is serving over 25 stations, including eight of Britain’s 10 largest cities and connecting around 30 million people.

The construction of the new railway is split into three phases – Phase One linking London and the West Midlands; Phase 2a linking the West Midlands and the North via Crewe; and Phase 2b completing the railway to Manchester and Leeds.

How does it work?

By building a new railway line, HS2 takes fast trains off the existing railway and places them on to their own dedicated tracks.

This is better connecting our major towns and cities.  Of course, this then allows slower, local trains to bunch up on the existing lines.  Which then frees up space across the country for many more commuter services and freight trains.

Economic Growth

HS2 is set to bring transformational economic growth to cities and regions across the UK.   There are some huge development opportunities which it could unlock.  One of those areas is Yorkshire!!

The positive impacts HS2 are believed to be ‘very positive for Sheffield City Region’. The economic benefits of high speed rail come not just from the productivity benefits of faster journey times.  It is also the regeneration that occurs around the stations and the access to a larger labour market enhanced connectivity creates.  But, that’s only part of the economic story.

It is not just about speed

HS2 isn’t just about the speed of travel between cities.  It’s around increase capacity, and therefore a focus on integrating it into the regions current transport networks is key to enabling growth.

This connectivity is key to Sheffield but not just from HS2.  It is also between the East and West which ‘is as, if not more, important’ than the improved connectivity to the capital.  Ensuring strong linked to Manchester and Liverpool in the West and Hull and Leeds within Yorkshire can only aid economic growth.  It is all aiding the Northern Powerhouse Initiative.

It’s vital that HS2 is accompanied by drastically improved services to Leeds and Manchester.  Whilst HS2 also remains key to staying competitive and attracting investment.  Sheffield has recently attracted Boeing Airlines, McLaren Automotive and retail giant Pretty Little Thing to the region, and inward investment conversations are now ‘at an all time high’.

HS2 is certainly aiding those conversations.  With the transformation of the city set to boost the number of those living in the region, whilst creating jobs and development sites throughout Yorkshire.

2018

2018 started plans on what the Sheffield station and the surrounding area will look like.  There were major opportunities for regeneration around the Sheaf Valley.  This is also linking different modes of transport and ensuring future capacity for growth in passenger numbers is not compromised.

Promoting the Parkway station serving South Yorkshire will ensure HS2 growth is realised across the wider region.  Whilst ensuring appropriate local connectivity is in place for all areas including Doncaster Sheffield Airport.  There is also a new Rail College in Doncaster and this will be key to providing the innovative and future proofing education.  This is much needed for students and the younger generation within Sheffield.

The most successful cities, right across the world, are those that benefit from good connectivity and HS2 will deliver that.  Often people don’t think about the conscious decisions that businesses make when choosing where to locate.  But connectivity is without doubt one of the leading factors.

Being accessible to customers, suppliers and a skilled workforce is crucial for any business to success.   There is already evidence of big businesses choosing to leave the capital.  They are then relocating to other parts of the country with good road, rail and transport links.

Sheffield area

Sheffield City Centre and the towns and businesses surrounding it such as Rotherham, Barnsley and Wakefield, will be able to draw talent from across the East Midlands and West Yorkshire.  Even further afield once the infrastructure is in place.  This will make the region a hugely attractive area for businesses to set up.

The importance of infrastructure between between northern cities such as Sheffield, Manchester, Liverpool, Leeds, Newcastle and Hull could help challenge the dominance of London.

HS3, or Northern Powerhouse Rail, is not an extra but it’s actually central to the vision of transforming the rail network in Yorkshire and help to re-balance the economy!!

This is definitely putting Sheffield and other Northern areas on the map of importance to the UK’s economy.

Be back soon

We will keep bringing you up to date information about Sheffield, I Squared Properties and what we are up to and new developments we are taking on.

Speak soon

Laura and James

Case Studies

Who are we?

Sheffield’s Universities

Sheffield University

The heart of the UK

Sheffield universities are just a part of what makes Sheffield a really popular choice for international students.

At the heart of the UK, Sheffield brings a unique mix of vibrant city life, green spaces and friendly diversity.  Its sports and culture are world renowned and the local scenery is second to none.

Together, the red brick university and Sheffield Hallam University offer students a learning experience like no other.

I want to chat about the reasons that say Sheffield really is a fantastic city and the universities make a big part of these reasons!

Its world class universities

Built around its world beating universities, those that come to study at Sheffield often stay for good.  The University of Sheffield is a world top 100 university and a member of the prestigious Russell Group.

Sheffield Hallam University was awarded the University of the Year for Teaching Quality in the Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide in 2020.

Between them, they offer a diverse range of courses with excellent graduation rates, inbuilt work experience and partnerships with leading organisations.  Bursaries and financial support are also available to international students, so whatever your aspirations and needs, Sheffield can help you excel.

Better yet, each campus offers hi-tech, hi-spec facilities, meaning you’ll learn in cutting-edge environments with industry-leading tutors.  Then after a day of learning, unwind and re-energise at your pick of university leisure and social centres, designed to help you make the most of university life.

The city is diverse, affordable and safe

Attracting students from 150 countries around the world, Sheffield is proud of its diverse community. You won’t need to go far to find international shops, social groups and even friends. And, with its welcoming community, you’ll feel right at home right away.

Global cuisine is no exception. Sheffield offers a mouth-watering mix of restaurants serving food from all around the world. As well as food markets like Ozmen International and Moor Market where you’ll find every ingredient you’d ever need.

What’s more, Sheffield is the safest large city in the UK.  It’s also one of the top 10 most affordable UK university cities, well below the national average.

Thanks to its student community, you’ll find discounts around every corner. So not only can you explore the city with confidence, but your money will let you go further and do more too.

Sheffield’s green spaces!!

Sheffield is known as the ‘Green City’.  With two million trees and 250 parks and green spaces, it’s one of the greenest cities in Europe.

From Weston Park’s prime picnic spots to the green lawns of Endcliffe Park, Sheffield offers plenty of space to stroll, cycle, run or just relax.  Seek secluded spots among the tropical plants at the Botanical Gardens.  Or, if cycling’s your thing, take to the trails at Lady Canning’s Plantation or the wild corridors of the River Valley routes.

Better still, the nearby Peak District has plenty to offer when it comes to outdoor pursuits.  From trails and routes for hiking to mountain biking, caving and rock climbing, it’s the perfect place for all the adrenaline junkies out there.

The only question: where to explore first?

It has a vibrant city centre and social scene

Sheffield is the fifth biggest city in England.

This means, wherever you’re living and whatever you want to do, there’s something for everyone in its urban neighbourhoods.

Of course in Sheffield’s cultural district, you’ll find theatres, cinemas and art galleries galore.  There are often discounted tickets for students and many of the galleries and museums are free to enter.

West Street and Division Street offer vintage clothing, quirky shops and a vibrant mix of restaurants, pubs and bars.

And, on the city’s edge, the award-winning industrial quarter is home to some of the city’s best bars, bakeries, night markets and food halls, plus traditional pubs and the amazing industrial museum.

Not just universities

Sheffield universities are just a part of what make up this amazing city.

Sheffield is nestled in the heart of the UK with other big cities and everything else in easy reach.  Close by are the rolling hills of The Pennines, the traditional villages of the Yorkshire Dales, the magnificent Lake District and the rustic charm of the seafaring coast with its pristine Blue Flag beaches.

Sheffield also has a range of easily accessible and affordable transport links. So whether you want to find yourself in the Scottish Highlands or get lost down London’s backstreets, you’re never more than a short ride from home.

But it’s not just an ideal base for exploring the UK.  It also gives you access to the whole of Europe too.

Pretty good, hey?

What do we do?

Here are some of our projects.  Have a look at them and take a look at this feedback from one of our clients:

‘James and Laura worked very hard to source a property, fully renovated it and sell it for us.

To say we were impressed, is an understatement.  Their work ethics, the quality of work and the return on our money is fantastic.  We would definitely recommend them for anybody who wants good, honest, hardworking people who actually work to make you money’
Karen and Ross McKinley

You can see they are very happy and because of this it makes us happy.

Take a look for yourself at our You Tube channel

Be back soon

We will keep bringing you up to date information about Sheffield, I Squared Properties and what we are up to and new developments we are taking on.

If you want to have a conversation on how we may be able to help please just get in touch here.

Speak soon

Laura and James

Case Studies

Who are we?

Interest rates are so low… am I effected?

What is an interest rate?

You may be wondering what interest rates are and how they effect you.  Believe it or not, they do in many ways.  We all generally know an interest rate is a percentage charged on the total amount you borrow or save from a bank.

I think we all know, for the past few years.  Well, the past 15 or more really, interest rates have been so low.

Because of this, our savings are not really working for us are they?

How am I affected?

The change may be very small and it seems insignificant, but even a small change in interest rates can have a big impact.  It’s important to keep an eye on whether they rise, fall or stay the same.

Borrower – the interest rate is the amount you are charged for borrowing money.  Usually a percentage of the total amount of the loan.  The interest is what you pay for the privilege of borrowing.

Saver, it’s the same except the interest is paid to you!  Sounds good doesn’t it?  It’s the bank that have the privilege of your money.

The problem

Now, the current problem is the interest rates are so low!!  So, basically, you are not getting anything back for the privilege of the bank having your money! That doesn’t sound fair does it?

Banks and the interest rates

The interest rates were slashed from 0.75% – 0.25% and then again to 0.1%!!

What can you do?

To be honest, there are so many options available to you.  So, please do not worry!

What we do is work with our investors, so that you have the confidence to know your money is working for you.

You will not be getting negative rates, put it that way!

If you want to have a conversation on how we may be able to help please just get in touch here.

Take a look

Here are some of our projects.  Have a look at them and take a look at this feedback from one of our clients:

‘James and Laura worked very hard to source a property, fully renovated it and sell it for us.

To say we were impressed, is an understatement.  Their work ethics, the quality of work and the return on our money is fantastic.  We would definitely recommend them for anybody who wants good, honest, hardworking people who actually work to make you money’
Karen and Ross McKinley

You can see they are very happy and because of this it makes us happy.

Take a look for yourself at our You Tube channel

Be back soon

We will keep bringing you up to date information about Sheffield, I Squared Properties and what we are up to and new developments we are taking on.

Speak soon

Laura and James

Case Studies

Who are we?

Strength of the initiative of the Northern Power House

The strength of the initiative

When the Northern Powerhouse initiative was introduced it had clarity of purpose and vision.  However, it also raised some thoughts.  For example…

If the cluster of cities in the North West could be better connected, with with residents in Leeds and Manchester in particular.  Of course not forgetting Liverpool, Sheffield and other surrounding towns brought together in a single labour market.  What powers would those cities need in order to deliver on this vision?

Questions?

This prompted many questions.  Such as:

How could we create a “Greater London” urban system in the North?

How could we scale it to compete globally on growth, trade and investment?

What would be the gains locally, regionally and nationally?

Answers

We did not have to wait long for answers.

For example a major new devolution deal announced for Greater Manchester and infrastructure projects.  Such as those like the  High Speed 3 to better connect it with Leeds proposed to kick start delivering on this vision.

Favouring

But, as ever in politics, clarity comes at a cost.  Particularly when it means appearing to preference some places or people over others.

Most notably, the rolling out of ‘Manchester-like’ devolution deals to other parts of the North has been badged as being a key part of the Northern Powerhouse.

While these deals are important for individual places.  They don’t necessarily bring us any closer to achieving the initial aims of creating a “Greater London” in the North.

And, even if Liverpool and Sheffield will now benefit from devolved powers.  It seems the Leeds City Region, one of the areas most fundamental to the Northern Powerhouse, is without a devolution deal.

Progress to date…

It is fair to say that there has been some progress in six years.  The major success of the Northern Powerhouse has been in devolving power to mayors and creating transport for the North.

Strengths of the initiative since 2014:

• 5 ‘metro mayor’ elections have been held – in Greater Manchester, Liverpool City Region, Tees Valley, Sheffield City Region and the North of Tyne.
• 47.1 per cent of the North is now governed by a Mayor.
• 69.6 per cent of the North is now covered by a combined authority.
• Transport for the North – a new regional transport organisation – has brought forward a £70 billion investment package.

The strength of the initiative in property

Now, seen as we are all about property at I Squared Property.  We have to mention that over half of Britain’s best buy to let postcodes are in the Northern Powerhouse!!  How amazing is that?

In a recent study looking at the best buy to let postcodes in the UK for rental yields, over half of the postcodes were in the Northern Powerhouse.  Liverpool’s L7 postcode was top, but Manchester, Newcastle and Sheffield were all in the top 25 too.

Alternative Investments

What we do is work with our investors, so that you have the confidence to know your money is working for you.

If you want to have a conversation on how we may be able to help please just get in touch here.

Be back soon

We will keep bringing you up to date information about Sheffield, I Squared Properties and what we are up to and new developments we are taking on.

Speak soon

Laura and James

Case Studies

Who are we?