Two of the North of England’s economic powerhouses, are today (11th March) launching their first joint presence at MIPIM.
Working together to promote their combined economic strength, Leeds and Bradford with a growing population of 1.25 million and a shared economy of over £23 billion per annum, sit on a par with most cities in Europe.
Over £10 billion worth of public and private sector investment is planned across the two Yorkshire cities. This includes major investments in education, the redevelopment and expansion of terminal facilities at Leeds Bradford International Airport and large scale office developments. The £80 million Leeds Arena, the £650 million Trinity Leeds retail development and the £750 million Learning Quarter in Bradford are among the most prominent projects.
The ‘Growing Together’ partnership – a ‘first’ for Leeds and Bradford – will be launched on the joint stand (14.10-14.16) at 4pm today. It demonstrates the growing and strengthening cooperation and commitment to driving inward investment in the current economic climate.
The collaboration and joint branding featured on the stand represent the increasing interdependence of the two cities’ economies and the complementary offer Leeds and Bradford present for international investors.
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 here at MIPIM has played an important role in raising the city's profile on an international stage in previous years. This week at MIPIM we are 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 gives us both a bigger platform and greater profile this week. We hope the collaboration will form the basis for wider regional collaboration in future."
Councillor Adrian Naylor, Executive Member for Regeneration and Economy at Bradford Council, said:
“Bradford has a highly-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 this year is essential to maintaining the profile of Bradford’s regeneration plans and making new investor contacts.
“Working with our neighbour, Leeds, creates a stronger platform. We are two of the largest economic centres in the region, so by being here together, we are demonstrating to investors that we are jointly maximising every opportunity.”