Investment at heart of Lancashire MIPIM drive

Lancashire pitched itself as a true international investment destination to developers at the prestigious MIPIM property and investment exhibition in Cannes.

The county was one of the regions showcased by the Department of International Trade (DIT) at the global gathering in the south of France as part of its Northern Powerhouse promotion campaign.

As part of the DIT’s wider UK trade mission, Lancashire representatives updated the government’s minister for international trade Graham Stuart on progress on recent projects and investment opportunities.

MIPIM attracted more than 24,000 delegates across four days and Lancashire’s team highlighted a number of key investment hotspots.

They included Central Lancashire – an emerging ‘investment corridor’ for new homes, offices, leisure and retail developments underpinned by the £434m City Deal programme.

The city of Lancaster was also put under the spotlight, with its emerging £41m university Health Innovation Campus (HIC) and strength in a number of centres.

The Cuerden strategic site – renamed Lancashire Central – was part of the pitch. Delegates heard how it is set to be transformed into a hub of business premises, retailers, new homes and amenities, anchored by a new IKEA store.

 

Lancashire’s team also highlighted Burnley Knowledge Quarter and Vision Park and the Samlesbury Enterprise Zone, which currently being considered as a site for a new North West Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC) in partnership with the world-leading AMRC in Sheffield.

The £200m University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) masterplan, set to be a catalyst for regeneration in Preston made up another part of the showcase.

The Lancashire delegation was led by David Taylor, Deputy Chair of the LEP and chair of the UCLan board, who is pictured here with the minister.

He said: “The name of Lancashire, and its key role within the Northern Powerhouse, is increasingly getting recognition internationally.

“That’s why events like MIPIM are so important, as it gives investors the chance  to talk to the people who live and breathe the region, and can communicate the Lancashire offer with knowledge, passion and pride. “This, combined with support from partners like the DIT and government ministers such as Graham Stuart, helps us to keep Lancashire front of mind when developers, employers and property agents are considering a northern UK base.”