Talking Investment: Mayor shares bold plan to give region £4.6bn boost

East Midlands Mayor Claire Ward has shared a bold new plan to grow the region, creating 100,000 jobs, build 52,000 homes and add £4.6 billion to the local economy.

Speaking to hundreds of potential investors at the UK Real Estate Investment and Infrastructure Forum (UKREiiF) in Leeds last week, Mayor Claire outlined her vision to transform the region through investment into new and existing projects.

The East Midlands Vision for Growth joins the dots between a series of massive development opportunities across the East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA) region.

These projects range from a £410 million nuclear fusion project at West Burton to major commercial and residential projects in Derby and Nottingham and new opportunities for the region’s towns.

Mayor Claire Ward said: “I am proud of the region the East Midlands is. We are – simultaneously – a £55 billion economy, a world-leading centre for manufacturing and technology, a place of astonishing natural beauty, and a region of internationally resonant heritage.

“However, pride is not passive, and our Vision for Growth shows what this region has the potential to become.”

The plan focuses on seven key areas where there are emerging opportunities to drive the region forward, including the Trent Arc, which connects Nottingham and Derby, the Canal Corridor, which spans Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire, and the Supercluster, which focuses on three decommissioned power stations

Amy Harhoff, chief executive of EMCCA, said: “This vision brings forward a series of logical and coherent development opportunities and a joined-up approach to delivery where we will support investors, partners and developers all the way.

“The East Midlands economy has the advanced manufacturing and clean energy opportunities that are going to be vital to the UK’s future growth. We’re ready to harness that heft and work with partners to deliver.”

Speaking at the end of the three-day UKREiiF event, Mayor Claire concluded: “We are excited and enthused to take forward the positive steps made at UKREiiF and get back to working on delivering for our region.

“We have shown that the East Midlands is irresistible to investment, and we are ready for the future.”

To read a digital version of the East Midlands Vision for Growth visit East Midlands Vision for Growth – East Midlands Combined County Authority.