Stoke-on-Trent – named one of the best places for overseas investment - now opens its doors to UK developers at country’s biggest investment show
A buzz is anticipated as investment opportunities for major key development sites across Stoke-on-Trent are unveiled for the very first time at a national property show this week.
Major projects across the city, including Etruscan Square, Spode Works and Goods Yard, are being showcased at UKREiiF (21-23 May) to mark the council’s goal to put Stoke-on-Trent well and truly on the map for investment.
The city of ceramic manufacturing excellence is named among Irwin Mitchell’s Top 40 list of ‘Attractive Cities for Overseas Investment’ in 2023 – and rated fourth for local infrastructure.
It is also bucking the downward investment trend as there have been 22,000 jobs created since 2011 and a 16.1 per cent increase in start-ups since 2019, compared to a 7.6 per cent reduction across England as a whole.
Now developers are being drawn to the city to learn more about future innovation and opportunities across housing, heritage, transport, economic development, energy and sustainability.
Opportunities for investors, developers, funders, contractors, operators and occupiers are freshly launched to the market in a brand-new Investment Prospectus developed specifically for interested investors at UKREiiF and wider.
Councillor Jane Ashworth, Leader of Stoke-on-Trent City Council, said: “The city is ripe for regeneration and has a multitude of opportunities for developers to choose from. We are very interested in working with the right investors and developers who share our passion for our history and our heritage. After all, we are the birthplace of Wedgwood, Spode and Royal Doulton to name a few.
“Like all cities, we are facing wider economic challenges and we have to prioritise the needs of our residents but we also can’t lose sight of the future. We need to build momentum by creating the right environment for investment and ensure our city is healthier, wealthier, safer, greener, cleaner and fairer for all.
“We’re excited to talk to investors, developers, contractors and occupiers who want to make the most of the fantastic opportunities Stoke-on-Trent has to offer.”
Capital&Centric are on site delivering Goods Yard, the new mixed-use neighbourhood next to Stoke-on-Trent’s mainline train station. It’s expected to generate £63 million of GVA to the local economy.
Tom Wilmot, joint managing director at Capital&Centric, said: “Through ambitious leadership, the council has built a compelling case for investment with city-wide regeneration plans. There’s a real renaissance underway here in Stoke-on-Trent and we’re proud to be contributing to the city’s next chapter.
“When complete early next year, the Goods Yard will provide proof that aspirational, design-led homes and workspace can be delivered in Stoke-on-Trent. There are some fantastic regeneration opportunities in the city, and the Goods Yard demonstrates just what can be achieved when the public and private sector come together.”
A small delegation from Stoke-on-Trent City Council will spend their time at UKREiiF meeting potential investors and logging interest on a first-come-first-served basis.
The 2024-2025 Investment Prospectus can be viewed HERE. Our delegation members are at stand C40, in the New Dock Hall, at UKREiiF, or contact Mark Connell atmark.connell@stoke.gov.uk or Caroline Mairs at caroline.mairs@stoke.gov.uk for more information.