Helix showcased at international property event
MIPIM, Europe’s biggest property conference was held in Cannes from 12-15 March. This was the fourth year Invest Newcastle led a public and private sector regional delegation, with 32 public and private sector partners joining them – their biggest delegation to date.
The stand was perfectly positioned on Croisette (C19) offering a prime location for meetings, events and networking. As well as launching several exciting developments, the Invest Newcastle events programme focused on emerging trends such as addressing the opportunities and challenges of an ageing population, data, connectivity, smart cities and culture. Newcastle representatives were joined by international experts who were all part of thought leadership discussions throughout the week.
Anna Gissler, Acting CEO, Stockholm Business Region, Simon Bedford, partner and Cities Advisory Practice lead, Deloitte Real Estate, John Wilson, Chief Operating Officer, Stellium Datacenters and Tom Warburton, Acting Director of Inclusive Economy, Newcastle City Council were part of a panel that discussed smart cities and their benefits. With progress on the development of Newcastle Helix, the city has pushed forward with its ambition to become the UK’s leading smart city. This event looked at what Newcastle learn from other smart cities like Stockholm.
Pat Ritchie, Chief Executive, Newcastle City Council was also joined by Walter Boettcher from Colliers International and Melanie Leech from the British Property Federation to discuss the power of partnerships in accelerating the growth of R&D and innovation hubs. Newcastle Helix was used as example of how the community of academics, researchers and businesses are working together to accelerate growth. The final event was a in conversation session between Pat Ritchie, Newcastle City Council and Sir Ed Lister, Homes England. This event explored how Newcastle is positioned at the forefront of innovation for healthy ageing with assets with assets such as the National Innovation Centre for Ageing, and how this knowledge and experience has export potential. It looked at how other leading global locations are addressing these challenges and how international partnerships can help create solutions for better living.
More than 20 on and off stand events were held across 3 days, with highlights including the launch of a £100m plan to build Europe’s Tallest Observation Wheel on Newcastle’s quayside and the launch of a £200m mixed-use development opportunity – the Stephenson Quarter.
Patrick Matheson, Partner from Knight Frank, attended MIPIM as part of the Invest Newcastle delegation, using the opportunity to forge new relationships and business opportunities for Knight Frank, alongside securing a joint venture development partner on behalf of Newcastle City Council to help shape the final phases of Stephenson Quarter. He said: “MIPIM 2019 was a massive success for Knight Frank. We had such a positive response from our launch event, and we are now engaging with a number of developers who are interested in the Stephenson Quarter. It was a privilege to be an ambassador for our region, and I have no doubt that the conversations that were had will lead to longer-term business partnerships and investment for our region.” Jennifer Hartley, Director, Invest Newcastle said: “Assets such as Newcastle Helix and the National Innovation Centre for both Ageing and Data are attracting investment and talent to the city. Our ambition to become a leading smart city and our expertise in ageing is also really helping Newcastle to strengthen its international proposition. This was the fourth time we have attended MIPIM and we had an incredible group of ambassadors promoting our region. Everyone really pulled together to showcase what is so fantastic about Newcastle and the North East in the best possible way. Bring on 2020!”
During the week, Invest Newcastle were also ranked as one of the winners at the FDi location awards, scooping awards for ‘encouraging innovation’ and ‘top 10 return on investment’.
Pat Ritchie, Chief Executive, Newcastle City Council said: “The exposure Newcastle and the wider North East got at MIPIM 2019 was fantastic. We had an incredibly strong delegation that highlighted the depth and breadth of expertise and opportunity we have in our city. It was an opportune time for our region with the North of Tyne devolution deal and the launch of so many exciting development opportunities”.
Private sector partners included Avison Young, the World Wheel Company, UK Land Estates, Knight Frank, Ryder Architecture, Newcastle Helix, Mott Macdonald, Newby, Sir Robert McAlpine and Engie. Public sector partners included Newcastle City Council, Gateshead Council, Business Durham and Invest North East England.