UKREiiF or UK’s Real Estate Investment & Infrastructure Forum is a major annual event dedicated to investment, regeneration and development throughout the UK. The main event is held at the Royal Armouries in Leeds with various fringe events throughout the city.
Key Details for UKREiiF 2025
- Dates: Tuesday 20th – Thursday 22nd May 2025
- Location: Leeds (Royal Armouries)
- Expected attendance: Over 16,000 people
- Speakers: Over 1,250
- Exhibitors: Over 150
- Fringe events: Over 150
- Investment opportunities: A possible £300 billion
With an expected attendance of 16,000 people and countless others involved behind the scenes, UKREiiF continues to grow in scale and influence. It’s become a key event for professionals in the UK’s infrastructure and real estate sectors to connect and explore opportunities.
UKREiiF: The positives and negatives to having the event in Leeds
Local Economy
Hosting UKREiiF provides a significant boost to the Leeds economy and the wider West Yorkshire region. The influx of delegates, exhibitors and speakers brings a surge in demand for hotels, hospitality, and local services. In 2024, the event contributed an estimated £20.9 million to the local economy. With 2025 expected to be even bigger, this impact will likely increase.
In previous years, city centre hotels were fully booked, with demand spilling into surrounding towns. Restaurants, cafes, bars, taxis and retail businesses all benefit from the spike in footfall. This kind of exposure encourages further investment and long-term economic gains for the region.
Strategic Location
UKREiiF’s location in Leeds aligns with the UK Government’s “levelling up” strategy—bringing greater investment and opportunity to the North. Leeds is one of the UK’s fastest-growing cities with excellent transport links, including direct trains to major cities and easy access to the M1, M62, and Leeds Bradford Airport.
The Royal Armouries is a short walk from Leeds train station and the city centre, making it ideal for large-scale events like UKREiiF. The venue provides both indoor and outdoor space to accommodate the growing demand.
Strain on Local Infrastructure
While the economic benefits are clear, the event can put pressure on local infrastructure. Hospitality, public transport and emergency services can be stretched thin. Residents may face increased prices and reduced availability during the event period. Transport from outer areas into Leeds could face disruptions, particularly on already crowded trains.
Summary
UKREiiF has become a key date in the calendar for real estate and infrastructure professionals, and Leeds plays a crucial role in hosting it. The event offers great exposure and economic value but also brings challenges around capacity and infrastructure.
As the event grows each year, Leeds must continue adapting to meet the demand. Despite the strain, UKREiiF remains a huge opportunity for the city and the UK to attract investment and shape the future of development and infrastructure.
