MIPIM 2016 hailed a success by Greater Birmingham stakeholders
GREATER Birmingham’s performance at the MIPIM property exhibition in Cannes has been hailed a success.
Stakeholders said the area’s events programme was the biggest ever with more than 700 delegates – a 101% increase on 2015 – flocking to view potential investment opportunities.
The region hosted 20 events across three days, including several key launches and announcements.
These included several standouts, such as M&G Real Estate’s announcement that it will fund the £200m construction of Ballymore’s Three Snowhill, making the 420,000 sq ft office development the largest speculative city centre office scheme outside London.
The unveiling of the Midlands Engine Pitchbook – showcasing 33 investment opportunities worth a combined £14.4 billion – and the news that PwC will be the first business to move into the £500m Paradise Birmingham development, were also significant announcements.
The launch of the £500m Birmingham Smithfield project was also one to catch the eye of investors, while those attending events were also amongst the first to see plans for Arden Cross, a landmark development site identified as the location for the High Speed Rail Interchange Station.
Wolverhampton was also in the spotlight as a city of change, with £3.7bn of city-wide investment either underway or in the pipeline. On show were major development opportunities in the city centre, such as Southside, Canalside and the former Royal Hospital site.
Cllr John Clancy, leader of Birmingham City Council, said the week would have a positive impact on Greater Birmingham in terms of jobs, housing and economic growth.
“From announcements about Birmingham Smithfield and Paradise to the buzz around HS2 and HSBC, this year’s MIPIM has clearly demonstrated that things are happening in this region – and that this is the place where people need to invest,” he said.
Cllr Bob Sleigh, Leader of Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council, added it was noticeable just how much progress had been made in Greater Birmingham during the last 12 months.
Throughout the event, the region had provided genuine investment opportunities, he added.
“MIPIM 2016 has given us a chance to further highlight the UK Central developments in Solihull, presenting delegates with a clear vision around the investable propositions across the borough. It’s also been important to draw attention to the new West Midlands Combined Authority – showing that we’re now not just a single entity, but have regional momentum with real substance,” he said.
Greater Birmingham’s delegation at MIPIM 2016 included more partners than ever before, with a record 42 public and private sector firms working in collaboration to showcase the region globally.
Ian Simpson, Land and New Business Director at Countryside Properties, said: “MIPIM 2016 has been our first opportunity to partner with Greater Birmingham. As a new investor to the area, we’ve found it an invaluable experience to build relationships and networks.
“It has been exciting to see how the themes displayed on the region’s stand – particularly during the Black Country’s garden city presentation – have aligned closely with our own ambitions to not just build quality housing across Greater Birmingham, but to create sustainable new communities,” he said.
Mark Lee, Chief Executive of Calthorpe Estates, added: “There’s been a tremendous sense of positivity around the Greater Birmingham stand, with many investors interested in what we’ve had to say and keen to get down to business.
“At this year’s MIPIM, Calthorpe Estates has worked hard to actively promote the region’s life sciences credentials, so it was impressive to see a real interest during our panel event from delegates keen to find out how they can benefit from our world-class offer in this sector.”
