Derby set to showcase the power of partnerships at UKREiiF 2026

Derby is set to showcase the public-private sector partnerships that are transforming the city centre at a major real estate event taking place this month.

UKREiiF (UK Real Estate Investment and Infrastructure Forum) is the UK’s leading event in the real estate calendar, bringing over 16,000 of the most influential players in the sector together. Taking place in Leeds, this year’s event will run from 19 to 21 May.

Once again, Derby City Council and Marketing Derby will lead the Derby delegation of public and private sector partners, while also supporting the East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA) at its pavilion and at associated events.

Councillor Nadine Peatfield, leader of Derby City Council, said: “Derby is delighted to once again be attending this year’s UKREiiF – and to be joining forces with East Midlands Mayor Claire Ward to promote the strong pipeline of projects driving regeneration, innovation and long-term economic expansion in our region.

“We had an extremely positive MIPIM, and we are now looking forward to taking our pitch to Leeds.”

Kathryn Allen, chief operating officer at Marketing Derby, said: “This will be Derby’s fifth year at UKREiiF, and we are looking forward to holding conversations with key stakeholders and investors, showcasing our exciting pipeline of investment opportunities and working with our partners at Derby City Council and the East Midlands Combined County Authority to support activity across the wider region.

“We will also be placing a strong emphasis on the successful public-private sector partnerships that have been built, which are playing a key role in driving forward positive change, particularly in our city centre, to make Derby a great place to live, work and visit.”

The Derby team will host a range of activities and one-to-one meetings, working with partners across EMCCA to showcase the city’s offer and wider opportunities across the region.

Among the events taking place will be a panel session focused on Derby’s successful city living strategy.

Over 5,000 more people are due to be living in Derby city centre in the next five years and the creation of new communities at residential schemes such as Compendium Living and Lovell’s Castleward development and Wavensmere Homes’ Nightingale Quarter and Friar Gate Goods Yard sites are leading the way.

Taking place at the EMCCA Pavilion on Tuesday 19 May, the session is entitled ‘Quality Homes, Quality Life: How Derby’s City Living Plans Are More Than Bricks and Mortar’.

It will be hosted by Councillor Peatfield, who will be joined by Edward Highfield, executive director of place at EMCCA, Karl Drabble, regional director (eastern), at Platform 4, Jo Nugent, Executive Regional Director for the Midlands, Homes England and Steve Parry, managing director at ION Developments.

Derby’s city centre ‘residential revolution’ forms part of EMCCA’s wider Trent Arc strategy – and Councillor Peatfield, who is also East Midlands Deputy Mayor, believes UKREiiF provides the perfect opportunity to shine the spotlight on these opportunities.

She said: “Trent Arc will provide an exciting opportunity for Derby’s city centre and the wider region, creating the potential for 30,000 new homes, more than 40,000 full-time jobs and a £24bn boost to the regional economy. The project also includes Infinity Park Derby, which is part of the East Midlands Investment Zone.

“We have delivered some incredible regeneration projects such as Castleward and Vaillant Live, and going forward, I’m excited to see the redevelopment of the Guildhall, Derby MADE and Duckworth Square.

“We now want to keep driving that forward – and invite delegates to come and meet us to learn more about how they can be part of Derby’s next exciting chapter.”

To find out more about Derby’s event ‘Quality Homes, Quality Life: How Derby’s City Living Plans Are More Than Bricks and Mortar’ click here Events – Marketing Derby .

For further information on Derby’s plans, to receive an invitation to the event, or to arrange a meeting with the team in Leeds, please contact Christopher Tebbs at christopher.tebbs@marketingderby.co.uk.

To see the full list of events taking place at Team East Midlands Pavillion click here UKREiiF 2026 – East Midlands Combined County Authority .