A delegation of business, local government and academic leaders, under the banner “Invest Gatwick Region,” showcased the unique work being done across six local authority areas neighbouring the airport.
More than 60 delegates from across the Gatwick Region – which encompasses West Sussex, East Sussex, Brighton & Hove, Croydon, Kent and Surrey – attended the UK Real Estate Investment and Infrastructure Forum (UKREiiF) in Leeds from 19 to 21 May.
The aim was to attract further investment into the region to support growth and create jobs. This included launching a digital investment prospectus with 28 ready-to-invest or development-ready opportunity sites valued at over £1.4bn.
This work formed part of the Gatwick Region Airport Economic Zone which is the first business-led partnership designed to actively promote the region surrounding the airport as a globally connected gateway for inward investment, international trade and the visitor economy.
Croydon was strongly represented throughout UKREiiF, with Develop Croydon partners from across the borough contributing to discussions around investment, regeneration, skills and economic growth.
The programme began on Tuesday with the official stand opening, where Executive Mayor of Croydon Jason Perry joined Baroness Ford OBE, Chair of London Gatwick, and Brett North of Gatwick Diamond Business to outline the region’s collective ambitions for investment, innovation and growth.
Later that day, SHW hosted a drop-in session exploring the latest property market trends, commercial insights and investment opportunities shaping the Gatwick Region.
On Wednesday morning, representatives gathered for the Gatwick Region Networking Breakfast, delivered in partnership with Gatwick Diamond Business. Emma Hatch, Development Director at Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield, joined fellow delegates to highlight key investment opportunities, growth ambitions and major development projects across the region.
The London Borough of Croydon then led a dedicated stand takeover session, showcasing the borough’s regeneration ambitions, connectivity strengths and strategic role within the wider Gatwick Region.
In the afternoon, Paul Kett, Chief Executive and Vice-Chancellor of LSBU Group, joined other regional leaders for a discussion on accelerating a globally connected knowledge economy. The session explored how universities, colleges and skills institutions across the region are supporting innovation, workforce development and long-term economic growth.
The conversations and partnerships formed at UKREiiF are expected to continue supporting Croydon’s growth ambitions through collaboration, investment and regional partnership working.
Executive Mayor of Croydon, Jason Perry, said: “Croydon and Gatwick are deeply connected – not just by geography, but shared economic strengths and opportunity.
“With unrivalled connectivity, just 15 minutes from Central London and 15 minutes from Gatwick Airport, Croydon sits at the heart of one of the UK’s most important growth corridors.
“As Gatwick moves forward with plans for a second runway, we are excited about the opportunities this partnership creates for Croydon and the wider region – unlocking new jobs, investment, skills and economic growth.
“Today, Croydon is one of the biggest regeneration opportunities anywhere in the country. More than £1.2 billion of inward investment has already been secured, confidence is returning and our new Investment Prospectus sets out the scale of opportunity ahead.
“Croydon is ready to grow, ready to invest and ready for the future.”
UKREiiF was the UK’s leading forum for real estate, investment and infrastructure, bringing together property professionals, investors, developers and senior decision-makers from across the UK.
More than 16,000 delegates – including over 4,000 investors and developers – were expected to attend this year’s event which focused on airports and ports, coastal regeneration, rural placemaking, affordable housing, hospitality and cultural destinations, whilst maintaining attention on the wider real estate landscape.