Derby’s partnership approach showcased at UKREiiF

Derby’s public-private sector partnership approach to regeneration has been showcased at a major real estate event taking place this week.

Representatives from Derby City Council, Marketing Derby and key public and private sector partners are in Leeds for the UK Real Estate Investment and Infrastructure Forum (UKREiiF).

Regarded as the UK’s leading event in the real estate calendar, it attracts more than 16,000 of the most influential players in the sector.

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

On the opening day of the three-day event on Tuesday, Derby’s residential-led regeneration took centre stage when Councillor Nadine Peatfield, leader of Derby City Council and East Midlands deputy mayor, hosted a panel discussion held in the impressive East Midlands Pavilion.

Yesterday, Bob Betts, executive chair of Marketing Derby, 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 of last month, Team Derby held its first meeting, which was attended by Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves, who also visited the East Midlands Pavilion yesterday while visiting 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, part of EMCCA’s spatial plan.

Incorporating Infinity Park Derby, which is part of the East Midlands Investment Zone, the Trent Arc 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.

Derby city centre is also part of the Trent Arc – and Terry 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.

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

He said: “There is 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.

“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.”