Leeds City Region Investment Week: Enterprise zone offers ‘unrivalled business location’

THE investment opportunities offered by the Aire Valley Leeds Enterprise Zone have been highlighted during an event at MIPIM.

Martin Farrington, director of development at Leeds City Council, said the enterprise zone offered an “unrivalled business location”.

Mr Farrington told the audience attending the event at the Leeds City Region stand that presented opportunities for strategic growth in the health and medical sectors whilst also supporting advanced manufacturing, low carbon industries and logistics.

Matt Crompton, joint managing director at Muse Developments, revealed the regeneration and development specialist was set to begin infrastructure work on the site next month.

[VIDEO: 629] And Ben Hall, director at international property consultancy GVA, said it that while the incentives available to investors would inspire interest, it is the economic foundations in the city region that would generate long term success.

“The region has got a lot to offer, fundamentally cross a lot of sectors,” he said. “Industrial properties are benefitted by the motorways and infrastructure; the office sector has fantastic buildings in key cities and there are landmark retail shopping centres.

“Financial incentives should get business interested – but it is those fundamentals that will keep it going.”

The 142 hectare Aire Valley Leeds Enterprise Zone is made up of four areas: Newmarket Lane; Temple Green; Thornes Farm and Logic Leeds.

Mr Farrington said £460m of investment for an energy from waste plant was confirmed for Thornes Farm.

Mr Crompton added that plans for an advanced health park at the enterprise zone were progressing.