More than £1 billion of Nottingham projects showcased to international investors

Unity-Square-Nottingham
An artist illustration of the Unity Square project.

Politicians and business leaders from Nottingham are travelling to France to showcase more than £1 billion of city property opportunities to investors.

The delegation is taking part in the annual MIPIM property and investment exhibition held in Cannes March 14-17.

Around 26 investment schemes across the county will be pitched to investors including projects like Unity Square, Boots Campus and Guildhall.

Leader of Nottingham City Council, Jon Collins added: “Considered to be the ‘heartbeat of the nation’s economy,’ the Midlands will propel Nottingham – and other regional cities – into the world’s attention.

“We are happy to play a pivotal role by being part of the wider Midlands presence, showcasing Nottingham’s development opportunities, being part of the wider offer will help to promote the region and therefore bring benefits to the city.”

The Team Nottingham delegation heading to Cannes. Picture by: Shawn Ryan

Three main areas of Nottinghamshire are being highlighted in the portfolio, Nottingham city, Boots Enterprise Zone and the eastern leg of HS2.

Cllr Collins will also be part of a panel discusssing the social and economic impacts of HS2.

“Nottingham is already the biggest business centre in the East Midlands and the city council is determined to ensure that it compares with the very best regional capitals across Europe, ensuring it is a city where people choose to live, work and enjoy a healthy and sustainable lifestyle.” He added.

EZ Nottingham Science Park
Nottingham Science Park

In the city, areas like the Southern Gateway scheme by the Broadmarsh, Nottingham Science Park, Guildhall and Angel Row will all be looking for investors to bring forward their projects.

Business developments are not the only investment opportunities team Nottingham will be pitching, with residential spaces at Watersite and Boots Enterprise Zone also part of the portfolio.

Nottingham’s own Olympic gold and bronze medallist Helen Richardson-Walsh has lent her support to the investment team.

The team GB hockey player will be sharing her experiences from Rio – going from a team on the fringes to gold medallists.

An illustration of the Eastside development

Along with the plans for HS2, Nottingham will be pitching plans to build a new enterprise and innovation park around the Toton site.

In total the Midlands region will be showcasing more than £14 billion worth of projects and investment sites and some of the businesses in attendance include East Midlands Airport, the Midlands Enterprise Universities group and Jaguar Land Rover.

Tim Garratt of commercial property agent Innes England said: “We will continue our long-standing support of Nottingham and the wider East Midlands at MIPIM 2017 to promote the region on the world stage.

“This is the de facto property forum to network with investors, developers and other key players, we believe the private sector have an essential role in bringing potential end-users, developers and investors to the region.

“We will use this as a unique opportunity to network with our peers and individually to actively promote Nottingham as a place to place money.”

New office spaces could be coming to Angel Row.

According to a recent Briefing Paper on regional and local economic growth statistics, the East Midlands was the fastest-growing economy outside London and the south east and reports suggest that growth will continue.

The Boots Enterprise Zone

Sir John Peace, Chairman of the Midlands Engine, said: “The Midlands is coming together on an unprecedented scale at MIPIM to attract even more investment from around the world.

“The Midlands Engine is working hard to accelerate growth across the whole region and Local Authorities, LEPs and businesses are all collaborating to bring this ambition to fruition, MIPIM is always a success for our region and this year we have more exciting investment opportunities than ever before.

“For the first time, a brand new Midlands Pavilion will showcase the wide range of investment opportunities across the region, demonstrating to investors around the world that the Midlands is open for business and can offer a global proposition.”