Midlands Engine delivers potent message to MIPIM investors
The Midlands Engine has delivered a potent message to international investors courtesy of a successful campaign at this year’s MIPIM property exhibition in Cannes.
Nearly 3,000 delegates visited the Midlands UK pavilion during the event last week.
The Greater Birmingham delegation, which attended as part of Midlands UK, comprised the authorities of Birmingham, Solihull and the Black Country.
Representatives from the delegation took part in more than 20 events within the Midlands programme, including panel debates and showcase presentations featuring approximately 50 speakers.
Based at a pavilion for the first time, the wider Midlands UK delegation featured more than 40 organisations from the private sector, working in collaboration with the public sector to promote the region. The companies ranged from property agents to developers, consultancies and architects.
Investment opportunities around Greater Birmingham’s growing transport infrastructure were a draw for many MIPIM delegates. An event looking at the potential of Birmingham Curzon’s HS2 station was full, along with a panel discussion focused on how HS2 will impact the economic performance of the area.
Other popular events for included presentations about major schemes that are expected to make a huge economic impact on the local economy.
Two major developments in Birmingham have taken a step forward after being showcased – the visioning document for the £350m Peddimore industrial scheme and the £200m redevelopment of Typhoo Wharf by Stoford.
Cllr John Clancy, leader, Birmingham City Council, said: “The Midlands Engine’s presence at MIPIM sends a powerful message to global investors that the region is a strong, cohesive area, which is committed to becoming more connected, productive and innovative.
“By joining together with other destinations to promote Birmingham, Greater Birmingham and the Midlands Engine, we are competing even more strongly than ever before to secure investment that will help to create new jobs, homes and economic wealth for local people.”
A Growth and Infrastructure Plan for the UK Central Hub at Solihull was also launched the exhibition, this involves 775,000 sqm of development land and space for up to 4,000 homes. The Solihull Town Centre Masterplan outlined the potential for up to 1,400 new homes, over 70,000 sqm of new office space and 11,000 sqm of commercial and leisure space.
Cllr Ian Courts, deputy leader and cabinet member for Managed Growth at Solihull Council, said: “Now that Royal Assent has been granted to HS2, investors can see that our plans for major schemes like The Hub will soon become a reality – and their interest in UK Central and Solihull is growing as a result.”
Much of the Black Country’s potential centred around the regeneration of Wolverhampton city centre, including the announced of Glenn Howell as architect for the i9 scheme.
Further progress on the Black Country Garden City project was also outlined. The scheme will be one of the UK’s largest ever brownfield regeneration programmes, which could lever £6bn of investment.
Tom Westley, Black Country LEP lead for the Enterprise Zone, added: “Major developments such as i9 and the Wolverhampton Interchange were extremely well received at MIPIM this year, having certainly caught the attention of delegates.
“This year has again been highly successful for Greater Birmingham, particularly as we are able to capitalise on the growing strength and profile of the Midlands Engine to attract investment into the Black Country.”
Other well-attended events included an evening reception with Peaky Blinders’ screenwriter Steven Knight, which was filled with delegates wearing the caps made famous in the TV show.
