Derby backs regional push to secure billions of pounds worth of investment

Derby will be backing a regional push to secure billions of pounds worth of investment when it attends a major global real estate fair next week.

At this year’s MIPIM, which starts on Monday, a delegation from Derby will join with the East Midlands Combined County Authority and other representatives from across the region to pitch investment opportunities to an international audience.

Taking place in Cannes, MIPIM is regarded as the world’s leading real estate investment event.

Attracting more than 20,000 people, it sees cities and regions from around 90 countries converge to pitch for investment.

Mayor of the East Midlands, Claire Ward, said: “With our Vision for Growth set to create 100,000 jobs, deliver 52,000 homes and add £4 billion to the economy, we are establishing the East Midlands as one of the UK’s most resilient, high-return investment destinations.”

Among schemes that will be promoted is the Trent Arc. Spanning the Derby-Nottingham corridor – and including Infinity Park Derby – it will be pitched as a prime location for advanced manufacturing, AI and energy transition investment, as well as offering investment opportunities in Derby city centre.

Derby’s delegation will include Derby City Council, Marketing Derby’s investment team, as well as business leaders.

Councillor Nadine Peatfield, leader of Derby City Council and Deputy Mayor of the East Midlands Combined County Authority, said: “I’m incredibly proud to be a part of the delegation going out to MIPIM this year.

“Not only is it an amazing opportunity to showcase Derby’s investment opportunities, but also to promote schemes that will benefit the region as a whole, such as the Trent Arc.”

Taking place over five days, MIPIM brings together investors, developers and city planners to discuss trends in regional markets, AI, housing, data centres, hospitality, and climate-related challenges.

At this year’s MIPIM, EMCCA will be showcasing two major investment opportunities – the aforementioned Trent Arc and the East Midlands Supercluster.

Trent Arc spans the East Midlands Freeport, Infinity Park Derby and three mainline railway stations at Derby, Nottingham and East Midlands Parkway, creating a prime location for advanced manufacturing, AI and energy transition investment.

The development could deliver 30,000 homes, 40,000 jobs and 2.7 million sq ft of commercial space, generating £2.4 billion in regional growth.

The Trent Arc also covers Derby city centre, which has already seen a number of significant multi-million pound investments land, particularly last year.

Dubbed the city’s ‘Olympic’ year – 2025 saw the opening of the Vaillant Live performance venue, the reopening of the revamped Derby Market Hall and the opening of the University of Derby’s state-of-the-art Cavendish Building.

To date, since 2011, the city centre has attracted £2.1 billion of new investment.

Mayor Claire said: “I’m going to strengthen partnerships with investors and developers who recognise the East Midlands as one of the most compelling opportunities in the UK.

“Success also depends on listening to what the market needs to become the long-term, trusted partner investors and developers require.

“I want investors and developers to leave MIPIM certain of one thing: the East Midlands is irresistible to investment – serious, coordinated and ready to deliver.”

At MIPIM, Mayor Claire will be leading a keynote breakfast event entitled ‘The East Midlands: Irresistible to Investment. Ready for Growth’.

It will take place on Wednesday 11 March, from 8am to 9am, at Eden Hotel, 133 rue d’Antibes, 06400 Cannes.

To book places click here.