Newcastle and Gateshead to Showcase Transformative Projects at Mipim 2026
Newcastle and Gateshead are preparing to present their portfolio of transformative projects on the global stage at the premier property event, Mipim 2026. This annual networking event, held in Cannes from March 9 to 13, will attract over 20,000 international delegates, including real estate investors, developers, and civic leaders.
Key Projects and Themes
The delegation aims to spotlight significant regeneration schemes such as Pilgrim Street in Newcastle and Baltic Quarter in Gateshead. Organisers emphasise that culture-led regeneration, investment in knowledge-intensive industries, and placemaking are central themes for Invest Newcastle, a public-private partnership delivered by NewcastleGateshead Initiative.
Pam Smith, chief executive of Newcastle City Council, stated, "This year’s programme is a real reflection of the city’s ambitions and how far we have come. Newcastle is rivalling cities across the world when it comes to setting the standard for development and regeneration." She added that Mipim provides a crucial platform to showcase the region’s story and engage with global investors.
Delegation and Programme Details
The Newcastle delegation will include representatives from Newcastle City Council, Gateshead Council, and various organisations such as Eldon Square, NCG, Ryder Architecture, Avison Young, and FaulknerBrowns. Other participants include Legends Global, Rolton, Aptus, Atkins Realis, CAA ICON, Hanro, igloo, Naylors, NE1, North East Combined Authority, Todd Milburn, and Ward Hadaway.
Invest Newcastle will host a three-day programme featuring panel discussions, presentations, and networking events at their pavilion. This programme will highlight the region’s strengths in creative and cultural sectors, retail, and knowledge-intensive industries like life sciences and space.
Discussion Topics and Residential Schemes
With the overarching Mipim theme of ‘Housing Matters’, key residential projects such as Forth Yards and MetroGreen will be discussed in panels on Wednesday and Thursday. Additional topics include shaping cities with Gen Z, delivering lab spaces for medical discoveries, fuelling the AI boom, and exploring the space industry.
Speakers for the programme will come from notable entities like the New York City Housing Authority, Birmingham City Football Club, Cambridge Innovation Centre, and Homes England, providing insights and learnings from global perspectives.
Previous Success and Future Prospects
Last year, the North East delegation highlighted revamped plans for the former Premier Inn Hotel in Newcastle, which included proposals for a hotel, housing, bars, and restaurants. This year’s focus continues to build on past successes, aiming to attract further investment and showcase the region’s competitive edge in development and regeneration.
The event underscores Newcastle’s commitment to creating a globally competitive environment that benefits residents through innovative urban planning and strategic partnerships.
