Metro Strategy set to drive Nottingham/Derby link forward as next steps revealed at MIPIM

The next stage of the Derby and Nottingham Metro Strategy was unveiled today at a presentation  at MIPIM - the world’s largest property event - in Cannes.

The strategy brings the two cities together to drive economic growth and productivity, improve connectivity and skills levels and deliver efficient city services.  This will ensure that Derby and Nottingham build their global reputation as an exciting place for investment.

David Williams, chair of the Metro Growth Board and Ian Curryer, chief executive of Nottingham City Council, laid out the next steps for the strategy and the impact on property and development across both cities, including sites such as Nottingham’s Island site, the city’s Waterfront development and Derby’s Infinity Park.

Ian Curryer said: “Derby and Nottingham together are one of the UK’s most important urban areas and one of the top 50 population centres in Europe. 40,000 people commute between the cities on a daily basis.

“The Metro Strategy aims to harness that potential and join forces to drive the jobs and prosperity that will fuel the Midlands as an engine for UK economic growth. We have huge opportunities – not least HS2 – which lie within our city-region and we need to collaborate to make the most of them.

“We have recognised that our economies are often complementary and that we can be more successful through joint working. This next step involves taking Derby and Nottingham out to the international investment market together and showcasing the development opportunities we have to offer.

“Both Nottingham and Derby are at a really exciting point in terms of regeneration, and we believe that now is the time for investors to stake their claim and get a piece of the action.”

Andy Cliffe, managing director at East Midlands Airport said: “The East Midlands is an attractive region for investors, businesses looking to relocate and as a place to live and work. It’s well connected by road and rail and has its own international airport, giving global access. 

“The more its towns and cities can do to work together, the better. Collectively the cities of Derby and Nottingham are a powerful force and have complementary offers in terms of skills and sectors. 

“I welcome the Metro Strategy. It is the right approach and will help put the East Midlands more firmly on the map.”

Team Nottingham’s sponsors and partners are: Cartwright Communications, Code Student Accommodation, Couch Perry & Wilkes, CPMG Architects, The D2N2 Local Enterprise Partnership, East Midlands Airport, Elliott Wood Partnership, G F Tomlinson, Geldards, Gleeds, Godwin Developments, Henry Boot Developments, Innes England, Invest in Nottingham, John Pye Property, Conygar Investment Company, JLL, Leonard Design Architects, Morgan Sindall Construction, Maber, Miller Birch, Nottingham City Council, Paragon Interiors Group, RizkMcCay, Roythornes, Scape Group, Sladen Estates, Nottingham Trent University, Nottingham Bid, The University of Nottingham, Willmott Dixon, Browne Jacobson and Arup.