HS2 fast-tracking investor interest at MIPIM

Birmingham’s unique connectivity options are attracting strong interest from investors at this year’s MIPIM property exhibition in Cannes, the city’s delegation at the event has said.

The opportunities posed by the arrival of HS2 remains a key focus for Greater Birmingham at the event.

A number of companies – including US engineering firm Jacobs, HSBC and property consultancy Carter Jonas – have all pledged their future to the city because of the high speed rail link and the other transport infrastructure it will stimulate.

The largest project of its kind in Europe, the £56bn HS2 line is expected to generate £14bn GVA in the Midlands.
 
Alongside HS2, Greater Birmingham is also benefiting from the £600m redevelopment of New Street Station in Birmingham and the extension of the Midland Metro across the city centre.

Further out of the centre, Birmingham Airport’s £40m runway extension means that airlines can now operate direct long-haul routes to destinations including China and the West Coast of the USA.

In the Black Country, the £120m Wolverhampton Interchange is spearheading the regeneration of the city centre there. The scheme, focused on the i10 and i9 developments together with a new railway station, is expected to provide a modern gateway to the city.
 
To attract further investment for its transport networks, Greater Birmingham is today (Wednesday) staging a number of events at its Midlands Pavilion (C16.B) focused on the various connectivity options.
 
Birmingham Airport is the focus of an event looking at its recent growth and plans for the future.

Airport CEO Paul Kehoe said: “We cannot underestimate the importance of connectivity to the economic performance of Greater Birmingham. Expanding air, rail and road links to and from the region will help to boost trade links, secure more inward investment, welcome new visitors and attract those who want to live in the region long-term.
 
“With the onset of Brexit, it is crucial for the future of our local and national economy to highlight how Greater Birmingham is still open to business from across the world. We are focusing on connectivity at MIPIM to emphasise its importance in front of a global audience of potential investors.”
 
Other events taking place today include an update on the development and future plans of HS2 with Mike Lyons, Programme Director at HS2 Ltd; a discussion about how HS2 will drive economic growth and rebuild the national economy; and a debate on how the scheme will affect employment, skills, innovation and productivity across the Midlands.

The effect HS2 will have on Birmingham city centre will be discussed by Liz Peace, Chair of the Curzon Urban Regeneration Company.

She said: “With Royal Asset now granted for Phase One of HS2, we are in a much stronger position to deliver the full potential of Birmingham Curzon. Almost £1bn has been committed to regenerating the area, through the Curzon Investment Plan launched in September 2016.
 
“HS2 has also become a catalyst for growing the region’s emerging sectors, triggering new innovation and enterprise. Adjacent to the HS2 Curzon Street station, we’ll see the £200m redevelopment of Typhoo Wharf – a dynamic, new tech hub for the city. We are now completely focused on delivering this vision and ensuring that the ambitions for Birmingham Curzon become a reality.”
 
HS2 also brings major supply chain, development and regeneration opportunities for the Black Country, including the proposed £400m Brierley Hill Metro project, which will link the area to the HS2 network.
 
Black Country LEP board member Tom Westley said: “Major transport schemes such as HS2 have a wide-ranging impact that goes beyond the areas they are built in. This kind of infrastructure boosts regional and national economic growth; attracts considerable inward investment; and makes the case for further connectivity between other economic hubs.

“It is important that the Black Country capitalises on the growth of Greater Birmingham’s connectivity at events like MIPIM, which will help to attract investment for transport schemes within the local area.”

• TheBusinessDesk.com, in association with Marketing Birmingham, will be in Cannes for this week’s MIPIM event. Check out our exclusive coverage here