Putting the East Midlands firmly on the international investment map is the aim of the region’s Mayor as she heads to a major global property conference.
Mayor of the East Midlands, Claire Ward, is leading a delegation from the East Midlands to MIPIM 2026 to showcase the region’s investment potential.
MIPIM, the world’s leading real estate investment event, attracts more than 20,000 delegates from 90 countries.
Mayor Claire said: “With our Vision for Growth set to create 100,000 jobs, deliver 52,000 homes and add £4 billion to the economy, we are establishing the East Midlands as one of the UK’s most resilient, high-return investment destinations.”
MIPIM brings together investors, developers and city planners to discuss trends in regional markets, AI, housing, data centres, hospitality, and climate-related challenges.
EMCCA is showcasing two major investment opportunities at the five-day event – Trent Arc and the East Midlands Supercluster.
Trent Arc spans the Derby–Nottingham corridor and the industrial heartland between them. It includes the East Midlands Freeport, Infinity Park Derby and three mainline railway stations at Derby, Nottingham and East Midlands Parkway, creating a prime location for advanced manufacturing, AI and energy transition investment. The development could deliver 30,000 homes, 40,000 jobs and 2.7 million sq ft of commercial space, generating £2.4bn in regional growth.
The Supercluster covers three former power station sites along the River Trent in Nottinghamshire. Cottam, High Marnham and West Burton are being repositioned at the forefront of the UK’s clean energy future, with West Burton home to the UK’s world-leading STEP Fusion prototype power plant, backed by £1.3bn of Government investment.
The Supercluster will be a global commercial destination, with a discovery centre, sustainable transport and more than 6,500 homes, leveraging its scale and technical expertise in clean energy and industrial innovation.
Mayor Claire said: “These sites are leading the charge in nuclear, fusion and hydrogen and sit at the core of our long-term economic strategy.
“It will feature a research and development innovation campus aiming to attract engineering and technology businesses, and thousands of net-zero homes, while aiming to unlock 15,500 jobs and a £930 million boost to the East Midlands economy.”
EMCCA’s Vision for Growth outlines five further spatial development areas for an ambitious, investable East Midlands. Strengths in civil nuclear and defence are internationally recognised, led by Rolls-Royce.
The region also has a strong and active market in logistics and light industry, while EMCCA is also actively seeking partners to help deliver new housing and Grade A office space, as well as building the pipeline for the next generation of sectors.
MIPIM takes place at the Palais des Festivals in Cannes, France, from 9-13 March.
Mayor Claire said: “I’m going to strengthen partnerships with investors and developers who recognise the East Midlands as one of the most compelling opportunities in the UK.
“My role is to demonstrate the stability and capability of my leadership, and the powers we now hold to deliver at pace. Success also depends on listening to what the market needs to become the long-term, trusted partner investors and developers require.
“I want investors and developers to leave MIPIM certain of one thing: the East Midlands is irresistible to investment – serious, coordinated and ready to deliver.”
Mayor Claire is leading a keynote breakfast event at MIPIM, The East Midlands: Irresistible to Investment. Ready for Growth, to explore why the East Midlands is rapidly emerging as one of the UK’s most powerful investment regions — central, connected and globally competitive. With a strong spatial proposition driving innovation, regeneration and long-term economic expansion, our region is truly irresistible to investment.
The event takes place on Wednesday 11 March, from 8-9am, at Eden Hotel, 133 rue d’Antibes, 06400 Cannes – breakfast canapes will be served throughout the event. Click here to book a place.
The East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA) is delivering a unified regional approach to growth across Derby, Derbyshire, Nottingham and Nottinghamshire.
Under the Mayor’s leadership, EMCCA now has the powers and the mandate to convene partners at pace and at scale. EMCCA brings clarity, confidence and coordination to a region that is ready for serious investment.
During the session, delegates will hear from the Mayor, EMCCA chief executive officer Amy Harhoff and Rob Tincknell, founder and CEO of Areli Developments, together with leading business representatives as EMCCA outlines outline the opportunities shaping the region’s next decade of investment and development.
Published on: 2 March 2026
Categories: News, Economic Development