Mayor of the East Midlands unveils bold regional vision aiming to boost economy by billions

Mayor Claire Ward shared a bold new plan to grow the East Midlands region today which aims to create 100,000 jobs, build 52,000 homes, and add £4.6 billion to the local economy. 

Speaking to hundreds of potential investors at the UK Real Estate Investment and Infrastructure Forum (UKREiiF) in Leeds, Mayor Claire outlined her vision to transform the region through investment into new and existing projects in the region.  

The East Midlands Vision for Growth joins the dots between a series of massive development opportunities across the East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA) region. These projects range from the £410m nuclear fusion project at West Burton to major commercial and residential projects in Derby and Nottingham and new opportunities for the region’s towns.  

Mayor of the East Midlands, Claire Ward said: “I am proud of the region the East Midlands is. We are – simultaneously – a £55 billion economy, a world-leading centre for manufacturing and technology, a place of astonishing natural beauty, and a region of internationally resonant heritage.”

“However, pride is not passive, and our Vision for Growth shows what this region has the potential to become. This potential will be realised through a set of substantial commercial development opportunities that we will be sharing at UKREiiF.”

“We are focusing on three in particular: the Trent Arc, which connects Nottingham and Derby, the Canal Corridor, which spans Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire, and the Supercluster, which focuses on three of our decommissioned power stations. These opportunities are a path to prosperity that build on our existing, unique assets – and I look forward to sharing them with you.”

Created alongside partners, the plan focuses on seven key areas where there are emerging opportunities to drive the region forward. These areas are: 

• Trent Arc: a new town will be built while Nottingham and Derby will be regenerated, adding 30,000 homes, 40,000 jobs, and new space for businesses.  

• The Supercluster: focused on three former coal-fired power station sites in West Burton, Cottam and High Marnham, the Supercluster will attract innovative clean energy businesses to the region.  

• Derwent Valley Mills: building on the already remarkable area, investment will improve the vibrant creative businesses, tourist destinations, and significant food offer in the Derwent Valley. 

• Canal corridor: towns like Chesterfield, Worksop, and Retford that are connected by the Chesterfield Canal will work together to grow local businesses, improve services, and attract visitors. 

• Peaks and Dales: the tourism sector will be strengthened with new attractions and better public transport, as well as new homes for local communities. 

• Heartlands: improved public transport will connect people with training, work, and leisure opportunities in the region, alongside faster broadband and funding for community-led projects. 

• The Loop: a new 150-mile walking trail will be created along the scenic canals and rivers through Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire. 

EMCCA will lead the delivery of the plan which aims to accelerate progress in five key areas: clean energy, transport, industry, visitor economy, and placemaking. 

Amy Harhoff, CEO of EMCCA, said: “This vision brings forward a series of logical and coherent development opportunities and a joined-up approach to delivery where we will support investors, partners and developers all the way. 

“The East Midlands economy has the advanced manufacturing and clean energy opportunities that are going to be vital to the UK’s future growth. We’re ready to harness that heft and work with partners to deliver.” 

The vision has been drawn up with the support of Areli Group – the investment and development specialist whose team has delivered a series of successful landmark schemes across the UK, including the internationally-renowned regeneration of Battersea Power Station in London. 

Areli Group CEO Rob Tincknell said: “This is the most significant vision project we’ve been involved in. When you look at the East Midlands’ industrial strengths, the development assets it has, and the fact that it’s now got a Mayor leading from the front, then this is one of the UK’s most deliverable growth opportunities. 

“The UK needs to think bigger than ‘development-as-usual’ and that’s exactly what the East Midlands is doing – taking 14 individual investment opportunities and turning them into one connected project broken down into 14 parts.” 

Mayor Claire added: “With the EMCCA team, I’m at UKREiiF to start conversations with development partners who can help us deliver on the huge potential of a hyper-connected region that will have a major role to play in the UK’s future economic growth.”

Read the full East Midlands Vision for Growth here.  

You can keep up to date with all the announcements from UKREiiF by following Mayor Claire Ward on LinkedIn.