Utilita Arena, Sheffield

Image: Sheffield City Council

Project Details

IPW… was appointed by Sheffield City Council in 2022 to assist the Council to procure an operating partner for the 13,600 capacity Utilita Arena. A new operator was required to replace the incumbent operator Sheffield City Trust (SCT), when it hands back a portfolio of leisure and entertainment facilities to the Council at the end of 2024.

IPW… initially undertook a Soft Market Testing exercise to establish the likely level of market interest in the opportunity. The outcomes of this exercise fed into the development of a Procurement Strategy for the project.

IPW… produced a business plan for Arena to feed into the Council’s financial planning and strategic decision making in relation to the transfer of the Arena (as part of a wider portfolio of facilities) from SCT to the Council.

IPW… has supported the Council in the delivery of a successful Competitive Dialogue procurement process, that has led to the selection of ASM Global as its new operator. The resulting deal delivers substantial investment into the 30+ year old arena as part of a long-term lease arrangement.

Project Leads

Kelly du Preez
Operations Director

Elliott Russell
Senior Consultant

Client Feedback

Working with IPW… on the Arena procurement has been a positive experience from start to finish. The IPW… team provided professional guidance and support to the client team. Their expertise, extensive market knowledge and insight were invaluable, which provided assurance throughout a robust procurement process.

Sheffield City Council are delighted with the outcome and would happily recommend IPW… to work on entertainment venue procurement or strategic projects that require highly accomplished consultancy with a professional and supportive approach.

Tammy Barrass - Head of Sport, Leisure and Events, Sheffield City Council