UKREiiF 2027 has announced a dedicated Education & Place Programme, highlighting the growing role of universities, colleges, student accommodation and education infrastructure in supporting economic growth, investment and place-making across the UK.

Taking place on 20 May 2027 at UKREiiF 2027, the new programme responds to record participation from universities, colleges and education sector organisations at UKREiiF 2026. The event will bring together higher education leaders, estates directors, student accommodation providers, investors, developers, operators, local authorities and government representatives to explore the future of education estates, campus development and student living.

Why Education Estates Matter for Regional Growth

Universities, colleges and schools are among the UK’s largest landowners, occupiers and institutional investors. Beyond delivering education, they act as major economic anchors, supporting research and innovation, attracting investment, creating jobs and helping towns and cities compete for talent.

As the UK focuses on regional economic growth, innovation-led development and infrastructure investment, education estates are becoming increasingly important to discussions around regeneration, sustainable development and long-term place-making. Modern campuses, research facilities and student accommodation are now recognised as critical assets that support local economies and strengthen regional competitiveness.

Focus Areas: Campus Development, Student Accommodation and Sustainable Estates

The Education & Place Programme will examine how universities, colleges and education providers can future-proof their estates through:

  • Campus development and estate modernisation
  • Student accommodation and purpose-built student housing (PBSA)
  • Sustainable and net-zero estate strategies
  • Innovative funding and investment models
  • Future-ready learning and research environments
  • Student experience and wellbeing
  • Public-private partnerships and joint ventures
  • Infrastructure and regeneration-led growth

Sessions will address the challenges and opportunities facing education institutions as they plan, fund, develop and manage the next generation of campuses.

Education, Place-Making and Economic Growth

A key theme of the programme will be the role of education in shaping places, supporting communities and driving long-term economic growth.

Discussions will explore how universities, colleges, schools and education providers can work alongside investors, developers, employers, local authorities and government to unlock opportunities for regeneration, deliver essential housing and infrastructure, address skills challenges and support job creation.

The programme will examine how changing demographics, evolving student expectations, new approaches to learning and the future of work are influencing the design and development of education estates. Sessions will also highlight how investment in education can deliver benefits far beyond the campus itself, creating thriving places that attract talent, businesses and investment while supporting wider community outcomes.

Through examples including major university estate programmes, student living developments, skills infrastructure and education-led regeneration projects, the programme will showcase how education is increasingly acting as a catalyst for place-making, regeneration and regional prosperity.

Industry-Led Programme Development

Attendees can expect a programme of panel discussions, leadership roundtables and networking opportunities designed to connect organisations responsible for funding, planning, developing and managing education estates and student accommodation across the UK.

Creating a National Platform for Education and Place

By launching a dedicated Education & Place Programme, UKREiiF 2027 is expanding the national conversation around higher education infrastructure, student housing, regeneration, campus investment and regional growth.

The programme will showcase how universities, colleges and schools play a vital role in shaping places, supporting innovation, attracting investment and delivering the sustainable communities and learning environments needed for future generations.

UKREiiF is supported by some of the biggest UK property and infrastructure companies, the sixth annual event will be held in Leeds on 18-20 May 2027. The forum will attract inward investment, generate economic growth, and drive a more sustainable and inclusive culture within the property and construction industries.

You can find out more about the Education & Place day at UKREiiF 2027 here. Tickets to UKREiiF 2027 can be purchased here.