Leeds City Region growing together at MIPIM 2010

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'Powerhouse of the North' is the theme of the keynote event for the five local authorities exhibiting together for the first time at MIPIM 2010 (16th - 19th March) under the banner of the Leeds City Region.

The breakfast event takes place on Wednesday 17.3.10 at the Palais Stephanie hotel in Cannes and features a panel of speakers made up of key decision makers in development and regeneration from across the City Region.

The Leeds City Region is one of two 'pilot' city regions tasked by central government with developing a programme of devolved powers and decision-making structures to direct funding in areas key to future economic development and growth.

The pilot programme for the Leeds City Region focuses on housing-led regeneration, innovation, higher level workforce skills and transport investment.

A full events programme for the week has now been confirmed by the Leeds City Region partnership and includes a focus on flagship regeneration programmes and development opportunities in each local authority area.

The Leeds Arena, redevelopment of Tower Works by Yorkshire Forward and plans for a major mixed-use development at Kirkstall Forge by Commercial Estates Group will be the main focus for Leeds.

Delegates at the world's biggest property and investment fair will have the opportunity to meet members of the design team for the arena, the developer and the arena operator at an event taking place on the Leeds City Region exhibition stand later the same day.

John Sutherland, managing director of SMG Europe, will describe how the arena is set to become their flagship venue, while Leeds civic architect John Thorp will outline the role of the arena in the development of Leeds as one of the UK's major urban centres. There will also be an opportunity to find out more about development opportunities associated with the arena.

The main sponsor for the Leeds City Region at MIPIM 2010 is Land Securities which is a long-term investor in Leeds and has, over the past 13 years, played a major role in enhancing the region’s shopping and leisure offer.  Land Securities is the largest commercial property company in the UK and a member of the FTSE100. 

Gerald Jennings, Land Securities Portfolio Director said: "Leeds is a progressive city that knows where it wants to go and how to get there. Its success as the first to be granted City Region Pilot status is well deserved and the positive attitude of the local authority gives added confidence to investors such as ourselves, who wish to share in and contribute to its success".

The Leeds City Region presence at MIPIM is also supported by Yorkshire Forward, which has a key role in delivery of regeneration programmes across the region, Marketing Leeds and Commercial Estates Group, the developers of Kirkstall Forge.

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