Key investment sites planned for development to create jobs in Herefordshire are to be showcased next month at the biggest global property and real estate show in Europe.
A cgi image of how the North Magazine at Skylon Park could look once fully developed
The Marches Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) is part of the Midlands UK delegation at MIPIM in Cannes, where opportunities for investors in Herefordshire will be highlighted.
Promoting the region as “one of the best places in the UK to invest, live work and play’, the Marches LEP has worked with partners, including Herefordshire Council and the Enterprise Zone team, to develop an exciting proposition for investors.
Development opportunities in the spotlight include the defence and security-focused Skylon Park at Rotherwas, facilities associated with the planned new NMITE university and a purpose-built Enterprise Park planned for near Junction 4 of the M50.
LEP Chairman Graham Wynn OBE will join Midlands Engine Chairman Sir John Peace, other LEP and local authority leaders in Cannes during MIPIM which is held from March 13-16.
Mr Wynn said: “The Marches is one of the best places in the UK to invest, live, work and play. We have fantastic investment opportunities in our region, one of the most attractive locations in the UK to live and work. Global players including BAE Systems, Caterpillar, and Heineken have already chosen to base their operations here, where we offer a first-class business landscape and an outstanding quality of life.”
Enterprise Zone Chairman Andrew Manning Cox said MIPIM was an opportunity to put Skylon Park on a global stage.
“We are delighted that opportunities at Skylon Park have been selected to be showcased as part of the Midlands Engine Investment Portfolio at MIPIM.
“Skylon North Magazine, a 10 hectare development plot benefiting from dedicated access and full land remediation, and Skylon South are premier development locations on the Park and are conducive to larger scale commercial development opportunities for investors, with particular interest in defence, security and advanced manufacturing.”
A promotional film showcasing the development opportunities and the outstanding natural environment has been developed for MIPIM as well as promotional brochures detailing investment sites.
The Marches LEP is joining other private and public sector partners including Greater Birmingham (Birmingham, Solihull and the Black Country); Coventry City Council, Warwickshire County Council and Coventry & Warwickshire LEP; D2N2 (Derby, Derbyshire, Nottingham, Nottinghamshire); Lincoln & Lincolnshire; Leicester City Council and Leicester & Leicestershire LEP and Stoke-on-Trent at the dedicated Midlands Pavilion.
The region’s presence is being coordinated by the West Midlands Growth Company, together with the Department for International Trade (DIT) and partners including transport hubs Birmingham Airport and East Midlands Airport, automotive giant Jaguar Land Rover and the Midlands Enterprise Universities group.