'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.

Bradford will focus on plans for its new City Park, progress on the £750 million Learning Quarter, development of the city's office market and the recent completion of one of the UK and Europe's largest distribution centres for Marks & Spencers at Prologis Bradford.

Thursday sees Sir Bob Kerslake take to the exhibition stand at an event organised by Wakefield Council. The chief executive of the Homes and Communities Agency will emphasise the importance of design quality in regeneration and housing growth opportunities in the Leeds City Region.

David Moore, head of regeneration at Calderdale Council, and Francis Glare, head of urbanism at planning consultancy BDP, will talk about the masterplan for the redevelopment of Halifax town centre and related development opportunities.

The programme ends with Ralph Rimmer, managing director of the Galpharm Stadium, unveiling investment opportunities and plans for the second phase of leisure and retail development at the stadium in Huddersfield.

The main sponsor for the Leeds City Region at MIPIM 2010 is Land Securities who 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. It owns and manages property in London and 24 shopping centres in regional cities across the UK including the 650,000 sq ft White Rose Shopping Centre in South Leeds. It also has aspirations to deliver the 1,000,000 sq ft Trinity Leeds development in Leeds city centre and is a founder member of the ARISE initiative, donating some £100K to local charities over the last 5 years.

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.

Director of City Development Jean Dent said: "The decision to exhibit together as the Leeds city region is a major step forward and gives us the opportunity to showcase the combined strengths and assets of the wider city region together with the advantages it offers as a location for business and investment."

"We look forward to meeting with investors, developers, urban designers and architects from around the world during the week at MIPIM."


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