High footfall figures have been noted in Sheffield City Centre over the past week, as many businesses have expanded for the lead up to Christmas. 

This comes as the Sheffield Christmas Markets have been expanded down the length of the Moor for a second consecutive year. 

The Sheffield Business Improvement District (BID) funds activities, events and ideas to attract people and trade opportunities to the city centre. Head of business operations at Sheffield BID, Diane Jarvis, said: “Overall, the Christmas Markets in Sheffield have been a key driver of increased footfall and economic activity, making them an important part of the city’s festive season.”

Last year, Sheffield BID attributed 16% of the total annual footfall to the festive season. 

The successful start to this season has followed a £21 million investment that was approved by the Mayor of South Yorkshire in October to allow for people to spend more time in the city centre. 

Oliver Coppard, South Yorkshire’s Mayor, said: “Building a healthier, wealthier and happier South Yorkshire is central to my ambition.

“This important project will not just give us greater freedom and choice about how we travel and move, but will also support our plans to make South Yorkshire the healthiest region in the country.” 

The construction of safer walking, wheeling and cycling routes is due to start in January 2025, as part of the project. The council has already projected how this will change next year’s festive season in a generated image. 

The investment is part of the ‘Connecting Sheffield: City Centre Project’, aimed at helping Sheffield City Council ‘improve public spaces’ and connect ‘key developments’, including the improvement work on Fargate, Heart if the City and The Moor. 

Ms Jarvis said: “Despite the ongoing construction works, it all feels very joined up and coordinated this year, and this will benefit many businesses across the city centre.”

Sheffield’s Christmas Market is smaller than some in neighbouring cities. Ms Jarvis said: “There is the issue of competition with larger markets in nearby cities like Leeds and Manchester. Sheffield’s market may influence some visitors to travel to other locations for a more extensive experience. 

“Despite these drawbacks, the overall impact of the Christmas Markets on Sheffield is generally positive, bringing festive cheer and economic benefits to the city.”