Collaborative UKREiiF approach makes Derby and region ‘the ones to watch’

A collaborative approach to placemaking saw Derby and the East Midlands stand out from the crowd at this year’s UKREiiF.

Representatives from Derby City Council, Marketing Derby and key public and private sector partners were in Leeds last week for the three-day event, which attracted more than 16,000 of the most influential players in the real estate sector.

It was a busy week for Derby, with the team showcasing, discussing and updating investors on the major schemes that are driving positive change in the city centre, as well as supporting the activities of the East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA) in the impressive East Midlands Pavilion.

Reflecting on this year’s UKREiiF, Bob Betts, executive chairman at Marketing Derby, hailed the impact of the pavilion – and the Team East Midlands approach.

He said: “There was a real air of collaboration around the East Midlands Pavilion this year – between public and private partners and across geographies – and a genuine sense that the East Midlands region is the one to watch.

“Marketing Derby was delighted to be part of the wider regional team, showcasing how the city’s development momentum and opportunity for investment will contribute to local, regional and national growth ambitions.”

As part of a packed EMCCA programme, Derby took centre stage on day one of UKREiiF – with a panel discussion chaired by Councillor Nadine Peatfield, leader of Derby City Council and East Midlands deputy mayor, focused on the city’s residential-led regeneration opportunities.

The discussion, entitled ‘Quality Homes, Quality Life: How Derby’s City Living Plans Are More Than Bricks and Mortar’, featured contributions from Edward Highfield, executive director of place at EMCCA, Karl Drabble, regional director (eastern), at Platform 4, Jo Nugent, executive regional director for the Midlands at Homes England and Shannon Conway, co-founder of Picture This.

Jo spoke about Homes England’s involvement in the £100 million Castleward Urban Village scheme and its work with Derby City Council and EMCCA to understand the long-term plans for the scheme, which is delivering 800 new homes.

Derby’s city centre ‘residential revolution’ forms part of EMCCA’s wider Trent Arc spatial plan, which has the potential to create 30,000 new homes, more than 40,000 full-time jobs and provide a £24 billion boost to the regional economy.

Edward spoke of the “significant” economic opportunities the Trent Arc presents, while Karl shone a light on the work his firm is doing around Derby Midland Station as part of the Station Quarter vision, which includes 1,500 new homes.

Shannon’s company, Picture This, works with ION Developments, Derby City Council’s strategic development partner for the redevelopment of the Market Place, in the city centre.

She said when building new residential communities it was “important to look at what was already there and how to add value”.

Speaking at the panel discussion, Councillor Peatfield said: “As a city, we recognise that housing-led regeneration can be a catalyst to bring new life, activity and confidence into our city.

“City centres that thrive now, and in the future, will be those that have people living in them, not just passing through them.

“That is what lies at the heart of Derby’s city living vision.”

The following day, Mr Betts hosted a private roundtable event with Tammy Whitaker, director of city growth and vibrancy at Derby City Council, and representatives from EMCCA, Geldards, ION Developments, AtkinsRéalis, SmartParc, Lovell Platform 4 and Placefirst, who discussed how Derby can make the most of its investments.

UKREiiF comes at a pivotal moment for the city following the launch of Team Derby, a new partnership bringing together local leaders, major businesses, the University of Derby and government partners to ensure that local people benefit from major investment in the city.

Backed by £10 million of new government investment, the partnership focuses on building on Derby’s strengths in rail, aerospace, nuclear, advanced manufacturing and clean energy, helping to create high-quality jobs for city residents, encourage successful high streets and provide visible improvements across the city.

Towards the end April, Team Derby held its first meeting, which was attended by Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves, who also visited the East Midlands Pavilion during UKREiiF.

Among those currently investing heavily in Derby is engineering giant Rolls-Royce, which is in the process of doubling the size of its Raynesway site after securing a £9 billion contract to power nuclear submarines.

At UKREiiF, Terry Meighan, Rolls-Royce Submarines’ infrastructure director, was part of a panel discussion held in the East Midlands Pavilion focused on opportunities in the Trent Arc.

He was joined on the panel by Rob Gorton, senior manager for corporate planning and external affairs at Toyota Manufacturing UK and chair of Destination Derby, which helps drive growth in the visitor economy for the city.

Mr Betts concluded: “Derby has a strong track record in working in partnership to attract investment and shape our place and it was great to see so many familiar faces in Leeds promoting the city and showcasing their professional specialisms and passion for place.”