The regional delegation of almost 90 people joined forces at MIPIM 2019 to showcase the North East to the international property world.
MIPIM, Europe’s biggest property conference was held in Cannes from 12-15 March. This is the fourth year Invest Newcastle have led a public and private sector regional delegation, with 32 public and private sector partners joining them – their biggest delegation to date.
Their stand was perfectly positioned on Croisette (C19) offering a prime location for meetings, events and networking. More than 20 on and off stand events were held across 3 days, with highlights including the launch of a £100m plan to build Europe’s Tallest Observation Wheel on Newcastle’s quayside and the launch of a £200m mixeduse development opportunity – the Stephenson Quarter. Gateshead Council also used MIPIM as a platform to bring 11 acres of land at Baltic Quarter to market. In total the delegation took out 20 development and investment opportunities.
Representatives Catherine Affleck, Operations Director and Head of Property Management, and Neil Hart, Group Managing Director from Bradley Hall Chartered Surveyors and Estate Agents attended the event as part of the delegation. Neil said: “MIPIM provided us with an excellent platform to showcase the range of opportunities which Newcastle, the wider North East and Bradley Hall, has to offer.
“We were delighted to attend the event as part of a strong delegation from a range of sectors. This carefully assembled team and the schemes which we are passionate about perfectly showcased the professionalism, talent and true potential within our region. There are so many exciting projects which are consistently changing the landscape and built envrionment around us and we look forward to this continuing thanks to the dedciation of the organisations which champion our economy and people.”
The World Wheel Company who were part of the Newcastle delegation have submitted a planning application to build Europe’s Tallest Observation Wheel on Newcastle’s ‘Giants on the Quayside’ development. They used MIPIM as a platform to launch their plans and promote investment opportunities.
As well as launching several exciting developments, the Invest Newcastle events programme focused on emerging trends such as addressing the opportunities and challenges of an ageing population, data, connectivity, smart cities and culture.
Newcastle representatives were joined by international experts such as Walter Boettcher from Colliers International, Melanie Leech from the British Property Federation, Sir Ed Lister from Homes England, Anna Gissler from Stockholm Business Region and Jürgen Bruns-Berentelg from Hafen City, who were all part of thought leadership discussions throughout the week.
Nigel Hartley, Chief Marketing Officer from the World Wheel Company and part of the Invest Newcastle delegation said: “MIPIM was the ideal platform to launch our plans and the feedback and connections that we made were invaluable. In addition, it was also a privilege to be part of a panel that discussed the impact landmark experiences can have on a region’s economy.”
Jennifer Hartley, Director, Invest Newcastle said: “MIPIM 2019 provided a platform for us to collaborate and promote our combined ambition for our region. This was the fourth time we have attended MIPIM and we had an incredible group of ambassadors promoting our region. Everyone really pulled together to showcase what is so fantastic about Newcastle and the North East in the best possible way. Bring on 2020!”
During the week, Invest Newcastle were also ranked as one of the winners at the FDi location awards, scooping awards for ‘encouraging innovation’ and ‘top 10 return on investment’.
Pat Ritchie, Newcastle City Council, Henri Murison, Northern Powerhouse Partnership, Tom Walker, Homes England and Eamonn Boylan, Greater Manchester Combined Authority were also part of a panel that discussed devolution and the role it plays in transforming a city region.
Pat Ritchie, Chief Executive, Newcastle City Council said: “The exposure Newcastle and the wider North East got at MIPIM 2019 was fantastic. We had an incredibly strong delegation that highlighted the depth and breadth of expertise and opportunity we have in our city. It was an opportune time for our region with the North of Tyne devolution deal and the launch of so many exciting development opportunities”.
Private sector partners included Bradley Hall, Avison Young, the World Wheel Company, UK Land Estates, Ryder Architecture, Mott Macdonald, Newby, Sir Robert McAlpine and Engie. Public sector partners included Newcastle City Council, Gateshead Council, Business Durham and Invest North East England.
