Week Ending: With MIPIM in mind

MIPIM – the annual property shindig in Cannes – brought the region together like never before.

As the picture shows, Liverpool and Manchester’s leading figures are collaborating more than ever, while even at a city level – rivals have become friends.

Introducing Gary Neville ‘team Manchester’s’ star act on the final day of the showcase, Sir Howard Bernstein joked he’d spent: “10 years booing him, mostly in derby matches”, but was now full of admiration for his investment in the city.

Neville, who juggles his passion for property with his other jobs as England coach and Sky TV analyst, was in good humour too, as he told his audience: “It’s great to be here. Having watched City and Chelsea recently, it’s good to see some English people enjoying Europe at least.”

::

While Manchester’s MIPIM team had plenty to talk about – NOMA, Airport City and St John’s – Peel Group rather stole the show with its headline-grabbing announcements this week.

First, the group, built up by billionaire John Whittaker, announced it had sold off 50% of MediaCity, then it pulled a rabbit out of the hat on Thursday with its big reveal of its £1bn vision for Trafford Waters.