Two of the region’s economic powerhouses are set to join forces for one of the world’s most high-profile property exhibitions.
Marché International des Professionnels d’Immobilier 2009 (MIPIM), the world’s largest property event, sees Leeds and Bradford working together to promote the combined economic strengths of the two Yorkshire cities and showcase flagship projects driving forward regeneration and development.
"Growing together" has been chosen as the overall theme for the joint exhibition stand at the three-day event (10-13 March). The collaboration and joint branding represent the increasing interdependence of the two cities' economies and the complementary offer Leeds and Bradford present for investors.
A growing population, currently standing at 1.25 million people, and a combined economy valued at over £23 billion per annum, Leeds and Bradford sit on a par with most cities in Europe.
Over £10 billion worth of public and private sector investment is also planned, including major investments in education, the redevelopment and expansion of terminal facilities at Leeds Bradford International Airport and large scale office developments and schemes such as the £80 million Leeds Arena, the £650 million Trinity Leeds retail development and the £750 million Learning Quarter in Bradford.
The joint presence at MIPIM is a ‘first’ for the two cities. It demonstrates growing and strengthening cooperation and commitment to driving inward investment in the current economic climate.
Leeds City Council's director of city development Jean Dent said: "Leeds enjoys a reputation as one as one of Europe's leading locations for business and investment. The promotion of Leeds at MIPIM has played an important role in raising the city's profile on an international stage and at MIPIM 2009 we will be showcasing some of our major regeneration and investment projects, including plans for the Leeds Arena, Holbeck Urban Village and the Aire Valley Leeds."
"However, we recognise that working with partners in the wider Leeds city region gives us a greater edge when competing with our European counterparts. The collaboration with Bradford will give us both a bigger platform and greater profile at MIPIM. We hope the collaboration will form the basis for wider regional collaboration in future."
Bradford City Council’s strategic director of regeneration, Barra Mac Ruairi said: “Bradford has a hugely attractive offering in the region and we are well placed to encourage significant foreign direct investment. We are competing in the global marketplace for development funding and inward investment - being at MIPIM is essential to maintaining the profile of Bradford’s regeneration plans and making new investor contacts.
“Working with our neighbours, Leeds, creates a stronger offering. We are two of the largest economic centres in the region, so by sharing a stand we are demonstrating to investors that we are working together to maximise every opportunity.”