A North East delegation from the public and private sectors is flying the flag for the region at a key real estate conference.
Strategic investment opportunities in the North East for the retail, hospitality, housing and life science industries are being highlighted at the UK’s Real Estate Investment and Infrastructure Forum (UKREiiF) in Leeds by a team led by inward investment agency, Invest Newcastle.
The three-day event brings together more than 4,000 delegates from core cities and regions from across the UK alongside ministers, MP’s, investors, funders, developers, occupiers and key decision makers. The event aims to connect people, places and businesses to accelerate the Levelling Up Agenda, whilst unlocking sustainable, inclusive and transformational investment across the UK.
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Invest Newcastle, which forms part of NewcastleGateshead Initiative, has been joined by 25 sponsors and almost 100 regional delegates, the third biggest delegation from a single region at UKREiiF. The event has so far seen the North East group shine a light on transformational opportunities in the region, including the £300m investment into Newcastle United Football Club, the development of The Sage arena on Gateshead Quayside and a £25m investment from the BBC over the next five years.
Newcastle University is hosting a panel that will present the plans for a new 29-acre development built on the former general hospital site and its vision for it to become the world’s premier centre for healthy ageing and living. The delegation is also putting a special focus on The Biosphere lab facility at Newcastle Helix, where huge demand for space is leading to a search for private investors to help expand the city’s successful life sciences sector.
The event will also see delegates take part in panel discussions, exploring topics such as how the hospitality and retail sectors will look in 2030, how multiple stakeholders can come together to maximise investment potential and how to tackle the crisis in later living.
Pam Smith, chief executive at Newcastle City Council, said: “The North East presence at UKREiiF is a true statement of the collaborative spirit of Newcastle and the wider region. Each member of the delegation is an ambassador, playing a vital role in profiling our city on a regional, national, and international stage.
“This three-day event is crucial to supporting and sustaining the social and economic ambitions of our region, and I’m looking forward to joining the delegation alongside all other UK regions.”
Jen Hartley, director at Invest Newcastle, said: “This is a fantastic example of what can be achieved by the public and private sector collaborating. Our events programme will see thought leaders from the North East join and lead important conversations and discussions and will give an insight into the depth and value of the expertise and opportunity we have here in the region.”
Jane Robinson, pro vice chancellor of Newcastle University, added: “UKREiiF is a unique opportunity to be able to speak to a critical audience all in one place. As a leading academic institution within the North East, we are committed to working with our partners to support social and economic benefit for all. We are proud to be part of the regional delegation to UKREiiF to help showcase the full potential of Newcastle and the wider area.”
