MIPIM UK 2019 round up: calls for creative thinking and political champions

Last week Directors, Russell Gray and Calum Wilson attended MIPIM UK, the UK’s leading property event. The two day programme consisted of valuable industry insights and a round up of the UK’s biggest development projects. Real estate professionals and investors came to the new venue at Old Billingsgate from all over the world.

Highlights of the day included Russell attending a debate on the OxCam Arc and listening to views on the need for a political champion for the Arc to ensure it maintains sufficient ministerial focus; and Calum enjoyed an interesting talk by Roger Madelin of British Land, who focused on the need for creative thinking to assist with repurposing existing building stock. This is a must in order to react positively to the residual effects of the current trends in the retail market, he explained, citing British Land’s Canada Water development as a prime example – a 5 million sq ft mixed use scheme across 53 acres in central London.

Retail continued to be a hot topic with Bill Grimsey questioning why four years after closure, many BHS stores remain vacant – and, in the bid to revitalise the town centre, bottom lines should shift to bottom of the agenda.

Coming away from the event there is an energy and excitement  about the future – despite the big ‘B’ word hanging over our heads. It was really positive to see the synergies between key areas – OxCam Arc, logistics growth and high street regeneration – and what we at Woods Hardwick are championing on behalf of our clients.