Recently in MIPIM Category

How refreshing to see Nottingham hitting the headlines in a good way and all the more pleasing that my good blogging colleague Jackie Sadek is partly responsible. Jackie's day job is CEO of UKR, the organisation that supports urban regeneration. I discovered that something exciting was up when our paths crossed in Nottingham a couple of months ago, but, consummate professional that she is, she didn't give away too many details.

Now we know that UKR is pioneering what it hopes will be the first of many of a new type of urban villages. What is interesting about the Sandfield scheme (and the concept) is the focus on private rented accommodation as the resi element of the mixed-use development. This sector has long had an image problem, so if Sandfield succeeds in moving perceptions away from sleezy, greedy landlords and scuzzy, poorly-maintained properties to affordable, funky modern living the benefits will be felt far beyond the East Midlands.

The Midlands as a whole will definitely benefit though, with plenty of former industry-dominated run-down areas gagging for a regeneration makeover. There are benefits for the commercial property market, too. Confident and well-supported neighbourhoods are a draw for the reliable workforces that form the backbone of our modern economy, so for this, and many other reasons, I for one will be keeping a hopeful eye on Sandfield's progress and keeping my extremities crossed that what started in Nottingham will be replicated elsewhere.

By Tim Garratt, director at East Midlands-based agent, Innes England

MIPIM is always an interesting experience.  It's a world property show and you get to meet people from all parts of the globe . Last week I met the CEO of Argus Software - the folks who write the 'only' valuation software worthy of mention.

I mentioned where I was from - and until we did the Robin Hood 'thing' he wasn't sure. London sometimes seems to be the only place in the UK?

But it seems that this is not just Nottingham centric. Our sister cities in the East Midlands get the same treatment.

The East Midlands has a lot to offer - and my involvement this year at MIPIM is as part of the Team Nottingham 'crew' (pictured below). And it went well - we had a great Indian meal on Tuesday night - and hosted a drinks party for nearly 300 people on the harbour in the port of Cannes on Wednesday

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We have pressed the flesh with developers, investors and occupiers together with countless fellow professionals - from the UK, Europe and beyond.

My impression of MIPIM this year was that it was quieter - that there are very few cities with 'flash' displays (aka yachts). The cities that do occupy the Palais De Festivals seem to be from the Eastern Block!

We went with a great team - but on a no frills, no nonsense basis. We had a consistent message to play out - that despite the city not being able to attend as it has for the last few years the private sector still values MIPIM. On more than one occasion last week I was told that this is 'The Big Society' being played out.

We took with us Lorraine Baggs from Invest in Nottingham and she, along with Mike Taylor from Nottingham Regeneration Limited have been able to sell the city without favouring any of the private sector partners.

So, without putting too fine a point on it - Nottingham is still very much open for business - that's not changed. But perhaps the emphasis will be on the private sector for the next few years!

Come and see us in Nottingham - we have 'leccy and mains gas and drains. And it's not so high up that you'll get a nosebleed....

Well here we all are back in Blighty after last week's MIPIM whirlwind. For those in the Midlands who didn't attend (and there were many who didn't), here's a quick round-up...

Overall, MIPIM didn't disappoint. Yes the Croisette was quieter than usual but the Palais (aka the bunker) was heaving. It was a very focussed event with much more emphasis on smaller, private dinners rather than big flashy parties, and as a networking opportunity it remains unparalleled.

When it came to announcements London tended to hog the headlines and the modest number from the Midlands had mainly been trailed in the media before MIPIM. So it was particularly baffling that one of the biggest genuine first glimpses was left almost until the end of the show. Impressive CGIs of the new John Lewis about to be built as part Birmingham's redeveloped New Street station (pictured right) were unveiled on Thursday night, after the property press had gone to print and many delegates were already packing their bags for home. There will undoubtedly be questions this week about whether Birmingham city council and Network Rail got the timing wrong and missed out on some much-deserved attention.

Yesterday saw a good start to the annual MIPIM event. Although, initially noticeably quieter than usual (this is my first Mipim for two years and the atmosphere was definitely more subdued), people are certainly more focussed and events are generally on a much smaller scale.

I caught up with Derby City Council leader Harvey Jennings who was keen to tell me - ahead of the announcement made today - that five major schemes are to benefit from the city's £10m regeneration fund. This will be rubber stamped at a council meeting next Tuesday and details will be announced then. However, Jennings did say that Darley Abbey Mills looks set to benefit from a £900,000 contribution for a refurbishment programme.

Next on the Brum stand - some of you may have already seen my tweets about the extraordinary lighted floor on the stand which certainly was a talking point - and an interview for EGTV with Birmingham City Council's strategic director of development Mark Barrow (watch out for this on EGi) who talked about Birmingham's aspirations for MIPIM.

More one to one meetings then Birmingham's welcome reception and keynote speech from Mike Whitby.

Whitby outlined how plans to develop the 1.5m sq ft mixed-use Paradise Circus site can now push ahead. After an agonising wait, the proposed £500m redevelopment are back on track thanks to the government ruling on the city's controversial central library building.
The day was rounded off nicely with a tasty curry at the Team Nottingham dinner at the Maharaja restaurant. Hats off to the team who have really rallied round to give Nottingham a presence at MIPIM this year.

You can read more about what went on today at MIPIM in our daily digital edition. You can also see all the MIPIM news stories and video's at www.estatesgazette.com

 Click below to view the latest film shown at Mipim this morning about Derby's continuing renaissance.