East Midlands advances investment pipeline with major regeneration projects
The East Midlands is stepping up efforts to position itself as one of the UK’s leading investment destinations, unveiling a series of regeneration and development opportunities aimed at attracting private capital and supporting long-term growth.
Speaking at UKREiiF 2026, East Midlands Mayor Claire Ward and regional partners outlined a strategy centred on delivery, highlighting a pipeline of projects spanning housing, commercial real estate, clean energy and innovation. The region has adopted the slogan “Ambitious, Investable and Aligned for Delivery” to emphasise its coordinated approach to growth.
One of the most significant announcements was the launch of a search for a master development partner for Nottingham’s Broad Marsh regeneration project. The scheme, being delivered jointly by Homes England, Nottingham City Council and the East Midlands Combined County Authority, will transform the former shopping centre site into a mixed-use city quarter featuring around 1,000 homes, 20,000 square metres of retail, office and community space and the creation of up to 2,000 jobs.
Homes England acquired the Broad Marsh site in 2025, and demolition work is currently progressing. Subject to approvals, redevelopment is expected to begin in 2028. The project forms part of a broader vision to reconnect key parts of Nottingham city centre and create new public spaces around the recently completed Green Heart park.
Ms Ward described Broad Marsh as a “once-in-a-generation opportunity” to unlock economic growth and deliver social and environmental benefits, while Homes England said it is seeking an experienced partner capable of delivering a vibrant new district for the city.
The regeneration initiative forms part of a wider regional growth strategy. The East Midlands is promoting six strategic growth clusters and has set out ambitions to generate 100,000 jobs, deliver 52,000 new homes and contribute £4bn to the UK economy. The region’s assets include the East Midlands Freeport, major clean energy projects, advanced manufacturing capabilities and strong university and research institutions.
At UKREiiF, regional leaders also showcased opportunities linked to the Trent Supercluster, sport-led regeneration and innovation districts, reflecting a growing focus on sectors such as clean energy, advanced technologies and life sciences.
With a coordinated approach involving local authorities, Homes England and private-sector partners, the East Midlands is seeking to turn a strong pipeline of projects into a long-term growth story and strengthen its appeal to investors looking beyond the UK’s traditional core markets.
