MIPIM | Collaboration, from green to grey, the Northern flex

At this year’s MIPIM, I expect to hear a great many conversations around the need for greater collaboration, new towns, planning issues and the move from Green Belt to Grey Belt, and most particularly, the inexorable rise of the North, writes Thomas Pearson of JMW.

Decision-makers from around the world will gather in Cannes, France, all resolute in their determination to influence, and collaborate with, multiple stakeholders in order to bring about positive change. Collaboration starts with making connections, and MIPIM is a great place to achieve this.

Recently we held our annual pre-MIPIM breakfast attended by an eclectic mix of professionals from workspace designers to private bankers to planning consultants and everything in between.

The overall feeling was that people were laser-focused on a highly targeted approach to this year’s event, twinned with excitement around the Manchester delegation, not least because, as one of our guests, Andrew Irving, director at jmarchitects, said: “Manchester always has a big presence at MIPIM and there’s always a major announcement”.

Public sector presence

As part of the public sector presence, MIPIM is set to welcome the Mayors of several major European capitals including London Mayor Sadiq Khan and Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham.

For the UK, this will be the first MIPIM under our new government, one that has made clear economic growth is its top priority. Housing, development, and infrastructure is key to this growth, which is why the increased presence of the public sector at MIPIM is particularly welcomed by those of us in Greater Manchester.

As Caroline Simpson, chief executive of Greater Manchester Combined Authority, said recently: “When Greater Manchester goes to MIPIM, it shows the city region working at its very best. We stand together, as one city region speaking with one voice. The long-standing partnerships between the public and private sectors are clear for the world to see.”

A little under three months ago, the government published its landmark overhaul of the National Planning Policy Framework. Angela Rayner, deputy prime minister, said the reforms would “sweep away last year’s damaging changes and shake up a broken planning system, which caves into the blockers and obstructs the builders… I will not hesitate to do what it takes to build 1.5m new homes over five years.” Fulfilling this promise will necessitate the speeding up of the planning process, and the building of new towns, hence the recent announcement of the New Towns Taskforce.

As Ellie Philcox, director at Euan Kellie Property Solutions noted: “Planning is a real focus of the new government and I very much welcome that.”

However, I must add a note of caution. It is my belief that the reality is we are never going to hit 1.5m homes, so it beggars belief why the government has set this figure when current rates aren’t even halfway there. To get anywhere near this figure, Green Belt to Grey Belt may be pulled into the debate.

It’s not easy being green

There will be many conversations at MIPIM about the new Grey Belt designation. No matter how much politicians shy away from the issue, the reclassification of low-quality Green Belt land to Grey makes that land a target for development, as demonstrated by the recent decision to allow O&G Solar, also known as Voltis, to build a 35MW battery storage facility on a 0.9-acre site at Wild Fowl Farm north of Carrington Lane – the first North West planning appeal to be allowed on Grey Belt grounds.

I expect to see many similar decisions as the government’s stated view is that not all land designated as Green Belt serves its intended purpose. It is my opinion – one which I share with a great many others in the real estate industry – that meeting the government’s new housing targets is going to be nigh on impossible without green going grey. This is going to be a huge topic of conversation at MIPIM.

The rise of the North

The Manchester delegation at MIPIM 2025 will include representatives from all 10 Greater Manchester local authorities and more than 40 private sector partners. The North of England stand, powered by Place North as part of the UK Hub inside the Palais, is due to be the biggest delegation taken to MIPIM for a first-time stand exhibitor.

This unique platform offers all of us involved in the Northern real estate sector an opportunity for unparalleled networking, knowledge sharing, and the exploring of new opportunities. The question of levelling up, via the Mind The Gap initiative will be front and centre in the minds of all involved. Investment to plug viability gaps is vital if we are to transform our communities for the better.

The North has a strong record of delivery, and the skills and the knowledge to deliver more than ever before.

• Thomas Pearson is head of real estate commercial at JMW