Belfast MIPIM 2019 launches with plans to make Belfast region a global investment destination

A delegation of around 80 business leaders will travel to MIPIM – the world’s largest real estate investment conference – in March 2019, where they will market Belfast as a leading destination for investment.  

Plans to attend the global real estate conference were unveiled this morning at an event at The Grand Central Hotel.

Whilst this will be the fourth year running that a group has represented Belfast at MIPIM, this year’s delegation will, for the first time, include representatives from some of the five councils partnering with Belfast City Council in the Belfast Region City Deal bid.

MIPIM 2019 will take place on 12-14 March 2019 in Cannes, bringing together the most influential global players from all international property sectors.  The conference is expected to attract around 2,000 exhibitors and 20,000 investors, developers, occupiers and other influencers from over 80 countries around the world.

Councillor Donal Lyons, chair of Belfast City Council’s City Growth and Regeneration Committee, said: “We’re seeing real momentum in Belfast, with a marked increase in the number of developers, investors and tourists being attracted to the city and surrounding region.

“If we are to attract further growth, investment and regeneration, however, we must work collectively with all stakeholders to set out our ambitions to achieving sustainable, inclusive growth and building resilient cities.  And it’s not just about major commercial development; we will have an increased focus on housing this year and supporting and enabling existing communities to flourish, benefit from regeneration and create opportunities to access jobs. We want to build a city where everyone can prosper - one that embraces long established communities as well as new ones.”

Councillor Lyons added: “Any major city in Europe serious about promoting itself will be at MIPIM, and we’re no different. We return to MIPIM 2019 with a hugely positive story to tell, underpinned by our confidence that the Belfast region, and indeed Northern Ireland, is an outstanding place to invest.

“MIPIM very much sits within the wider Belfast Agenda, alongside a range of other initiatives that we’re confident will help to generate investor attention – including our membership of the 100 Resilient Cities global network and of course the Belfast Region City Deal.  

“Securing a Belfast Region City Deal – up to £1bn of co-investment -  presents a once in a generation opportunity to deliver a decade of inclusive economic growth, create 20,000 new jobs, £470M GVA and make the region a global investment destination.”

According to Jackie Henry, senior partner at Deloitte Northern Ireland and chair of the Belfast at MIPIM Taskforce, this year will build on the delegation’s success at MIPIM over the past three years.  

She said: “Every year, we go to MIPIM as a strong, collaborative team representing both the public and private sectors, and that is already paying dividends. A number of the schemes now in planning or development have been brought forward as a result of the business connections made at MIPIM, and others are still working with us on matching up their aspirations to the opportunities here.

“Following the phenomenal success of MIPIM 2016, 17 and 18, we are once again putting in place a programme of compelling events to ensure that Belfast’s compelling investment proposition is reaching new audiences and investor networks.” 

 For more information about Belfast at MIPIM, follow @BelfastMIPIM on Twitter or visit investinbelfast.com/mipim