Newcastle is set to capitalise on its recent triumphs in the UK music scene as part of a strategic bid to draw significant investment to Tyneside at the prestigious Mipim property event in Cannes next month. The Invest Newcastle group, in collaboration with local authorities and private sector partners, will use the city's hosting of major cultural events as a compelling selling point to international investors.
Leveraging Cultural Achievements for Economic Growth
The delegation from Newcastle and Gateshead will highlight the successful hosting of the Mobo Awards and the Mercury music prize in 2025 as key examples of the region's vibrant cultural landscape. These events, which marked the first time the Mercury Prize was held outside London, demonstrate the city's capacity to stage world-class occasions and attract global attention.
A Unified Public-Private Partnership
The 2026 Mipim delegation represents a strong coalition of public and private sector organisations working together to promote the North East. Newcastle and Gateshead councils will be joined by the North East Combined Authority, NE1, and several prominent private firms including Eldon Square, Ryder Architecture, igloo, and Ward Hadaway. This collaborative approach aims to present a unified vision for the region's future development.
Showcasing Major Development Projects
During the three-day programme in Cannes, the Newcastle-Gateshead team will focus on presenting a portfolio of significant development opportunities. Key projects to be highlighted include:
- The transformative Forth Yards development, which received multimillion-pound backing from Homes England last year
- The ongoing Pilgrim Street regeneration project
- Gateshead's Old Town Hall redevelopment plans
These initiatives represent substantial investment opportunities that aim to reshape the urban landscape of both cities.
Leadership Vision for Global Recognition
Pam Smith, Chief Executive of Newcastle City Council, emphasised the strategic importance of Mipim for the region's global positioning. "Mipim presents a unique opportunity for Newcastle to position itself as a city with global scale development opportunities," she stated. "Hot off the heels of hosting both Mobo Awards and the first-ever Mercury Prize outside London this year and soon to be welcoming the Euros in 2028, our city continues to position itself as a destination for culture, innovation, and investment."
Gateshead's Transformation Narrative
Martin Gannon, Leader of Gateshead Council, highlighted the borough's ambitious regeneration plans. "Mipim remains a powerful global platform to showcase Gateshead's potential," he said. "With deliverable regeneration plans bringing exciting sites to the market, it provides a valuable opportunity for investors and developers to explore future opportunities with us. Gateshead is at a moment of real transformation."
Competing in the Global Marketplace
Sarah Green, Chief Executive of NGI, stressed the importance of presenting a cohesive regional story in the competitive international investment landscape. "It is incredibly important, in the competitive global market, to ensure our city's voice is heard," she explained. "Mipim is one of the world's largest real estate conferences, attracting 80 of the world's top 100 real estate investors each year, providing Newcastle and Gateshead with the opportunity to connect with decision makers on our key priorities."
The Newcastle-Gateshead presence at Mipim represents a strategic effort to translate cultural success into tangible economic benefits, positioning the region as an attractive destination for property investment and development in the years ahead.
