Leeds City Region declares its MIPIM intentions

The LEP has declared its intent ahead the annual MIPIM UK property forum.

Following a number of speaking engagements during July, including at Leeds Property Forum and British Property Federation events, LEP Chair, Roger Marsh OBE, outlined the City Region’s uniting ambition of elevating the profile of the region as a location for development, expansion and investment. It is this single spirit that brings the public and private sector partners together, a crucial factor in the success of MIPIM 2015 in Cannes, which generated over 100 quality investment, development and occupier leads over four days.

The Chair of the LEP outlined key themes within the programme, including a focus upon the Northern Powerhouse agenda and the opportunities available within the City Region in relation to residential, commercial and transport developments. Mr Marsh has also been expressing the importance of having a strong and united private sector presence at the international property forums both in the UK and France.

The LEP’s statement comes as the organisation announces the first wave of City Region sponsors. Commercial Estates Group (CEG), the developer behind Kirkstall Forge, has once again pledged its support of the City Region, with further private sector support from Shulmans, GVA, Arup, Town Centre Securities, EC Harris and HD One in Huddersfield, also secured.

Roger Marsh OBE, Chair of the LEP said: “I attended my first MIPIM this year and I was enthused and inspired by how we might use such a high profile international platform to accelerate the economic growth of Leeds City Region.

“Since taking up my position as LEP Chair two years ago I’ve made no secret about my desire to transform Leeds City Region and deliver the exceptional growth which we are capable of and in order to do this we must ensure we have a visibility on the grandest national and international stages, which includes MIPIM.

“2015 has been a fantastic year for the region so far with John Lewis and FedEx both heading to Leeds City Region Enterprise Zone, and the success looks set to continue, with the opening of The Broadway Bradford by Westfield, work moving forward in Wakefield with announcements including a 524,000 sq ft Poundworld distribution centre, and the launch of new train stations at Kirkstall Forge and Apperley Bridge. We must not however rest on our laurels and that’s why I’m excited to set out the City Region’s ambition for MIPIM UK in October.”

Mr Marsh concluded: “It is with this ambition in mind, that I am pleased to confirm that myself and senior representatives from local authorities across the City Region will be attending MIPIM UK in London and I would like to invite the City Region’s property sector to join our delegation. Together we can showcase the strength and ambition of the UK’s largest city region outside of London, to developers, investors and occupiers and ensure that Leeds City Region cements its position at the heart of the Northern Powerhouse as a thriving and attractive investment ready location.”

Jon Kenny, Development Director at CEG commented:“CEG has previously attended MIPIM with Leeds City Region and looks forward to supporting the team again at MIPIM UK and MIPIM 2016. MIPIM is a unique event that brings together the most influential public and private sector decision makers from across the international property sector.

"There is vast potential in the region and public and private sector partnerships are vital to ensure the area continues to be a destination for world-class developments and global investment.

“CEG continues to work closely with Leeds City Council and other partners in the delivery of the £400million mixed-use development at Kirkstall and in bringing forward our future proposals for a new city quarter at the new southern station entrance. Ultimately we want to support Leeds' aspirations to be the economic driver of not only the region, but the entire Northern Powerhouse."

Andrew Latchmore, Chair of Leeds Property Forum and Partner at Shulmans LLP: “I’m delighted to see the renewed vigour of the property market across Leeds City Region and would whole heartedly encourage my colleagues from all parts of the property sector to join the City Region’s delegation as, together, both the private and the public sectors, unite to capitalise on the opportunities available to us.

“Shulmans is again joining the MIPIM UK and MIPIM 2016 delegations to help raise awareness of the opportunities in the commercial property market in Leeds City Region and build relationships and contacts that will help further widen our firm’s client base.”

To find out more about Leeds City Region’s intentions for MIPIM visit www.investleedscityregion.com.