East of England Development Conference

Homes England – Sarah Greenwood, Assistant Director – Sustainability and Design

Homes England are the government’s housing accelerator – driving positive market change. Recently securing £124 million in funding for the next phase of Northstowe, Cambridge new town- comprising of 10,000 new homes. Sarah will be joining the session to share intel on recent project and the challenges of delivering sustainable, affordable home within the region.

Norwich City Council – Cllr Alan Waters, Leader

Norwich is undergoing an ambitious regeneration programme which includes bringing forward four key sites comprising the East Norwich Masterplan and eight projects that are being unlocked due to the Towns Fund. As part of the mixed-use ideas, thousands of homes are set to be delivered across the city varying from private rented sector to affordable housing. Cllr Waters joins the event to talk in depth about the council’s ideas.

Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Combined Authority – Fliss Miller, Associate Director of Skills

Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Combined Authority (CPCA) already have a significant number of strategic regeneration projects – the combined authority’s current priority is a consultation on improving transport links between the region and the wider UK. Fliss will be joining us to discuss CPCA’s priorities and discuss the recently launched skill initiative.

The Eastern Powerhouse – James Palmer, Chairman

The Eastern Powerhouse is a dynamic, business-led, independent organisation that aims to create a strategic argument for investment in the East of England. It will promote the East as a world leader of innovation in green energy, technology and life science and will support sustainable business growth that leads to better opportunities for people across the East.

James will talk about the impact that the Eastern Powerhouse will have over the next few years and what the opportunities are for the private sector to get involved in driving and supporting economic growth. Following his presentation over dinner James will be available for Q&A and can talk about the wider development opportunities in the East and how the public and private sectors can align for greater success.

England’s Economic Heartland – Naomi Green, Managing Director

Naomi Green is Managing Director of England’s Economic Heartland (EEH), the region’s sub-national transport body focused on a major programme of work, including development and delivery of the region’s infrastructure priorities and establishing a pioneering ‘centre for excellence’ to bolster local authorities’ capacity to plan future schemes. Their proposed Ely Area Capacity scheme will allow 2,900 extra freight services to operate from Felixstowe per annum, remove 98,000 lorry journeys off the road every year, reduce congestion by 5.6 million hours and cut carbon emissions by 1.7 million tonnes over 60 years.

University of Suffolk – Professor Helen Langton, Vice-Chancellor

The University of Suffolk is a pioneer in economic growth within the region – developing the £10 million DigiTech Centre which opened in 2021. Creating jobs, economic growth, and nurturing skills in the area. Followed by the £13 million Health and Wellbeing Building – which created a joint venture within voluntary and community sector and the Integrated Care Academy. Prof Helen – Vice Chancellor will be joining the panel to share thought leadership on acceleration of the East of England economy, the challenges and the opportunities within the region.

University of Hertfordshire – Professor Quintin McKellar CBE, Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive

The University of Hertfordshire is developing a 10-year campus masterplan, which is due to complete in 2029. The plans are to deliver £180 million campus refurbishment of the Chemistry department and Main sheds, remodelling the Engineering, Technology and Computer Science departments and infrastructural development, such as the South Pedestrian Link. Professor Quintin will be joining the session to share thought leadership on accelerating economic growth, the challenges/opportunities of estate development and the estates’ role in the region’s growth.

Norwich Research Park – Roz Bird, Chief Executive, Anglia Innovation Partnership

Norwich Research Park is one of the largest single-site concentrations of research in food, genomics and health in Europe, bringing together four independent internationally-renowned research institutes: John Innes Centre, Quadram Institute, Earlham Institute and The Sainsbury Laboratory. They have recently announced ambitious plans to develop 900,000 sq ft on land to house up to 300 companies over the next 15 years.

U+I – Ben Cartwright, Development Director

U+I are working alongside Cambridge City Council, Anglian Water and TOWN to develop the 48-acre ‘Core Site’. Over 5,000 homes will be developed, with 3,000 more on adjacent land and 500,000 sq. ft of office/lab and employment space. The £3bn GDV project is currently going through public consultation with a planning application expected to be submitted in spring 2024. Ben – Development Director will be joining the session to discuss current projects, thought leadership on economic growth and inclusive regional development.

The Hyde Group – Emma Fletcher, Regional Development Director

Hyde Group is a ground-breaking joint venture of four housing associations (Flagship Group, Longhurst Group, Hyde Group and Cross Keys Homes) who collectively own 102,000 homes, formed to accelerate development, focusing on larger, phased projects. Delivering over delivering more than 650 much-needed homes in a Cambridgeshire via the Littleport Development. Emma will be joining the session to share intel on major residential developments, building exclusive communities and delivering affordable sustainable homes in the region.

Sizewell C / EDF Energy – Tom McGarry, Head of Regional External Affairs and Development

The £20bn Suffolk-based power plant has just received a £679 million funding deal to back the Sizewell C project.  The plan is projected to meet nearly 7% of the UK’s power demands when complete, enough to power approximately six million homes and 10,000 jobs for the community.  Tom joins us to update on the progress of the development and to discuss nuclear energy’s role in creating tomorrow’s net zero Britain.

Network Rail – Sarah-Jane Crawford, Principal Programme Sponsor

Network Rail are heavily investing into the rail network across the East of England – with the £5bn East West Rail project connecting Oxford to Cambridge being supported by new the Chancellor Jeremy Hunt in the Autumn Statement, and a business plan out for £500m worth of upgrades at Queen Adelaide, with an outline now submitted by Network Rail for funding. Alongside this transformational scheme there’s many ongoing activity – such as the £22.3m Ely Area Capacity Enhancement Programme (EACE) which aims to be a catalyst for wider economic growth in the region. Sarah-Jane will detail and outline the plans Network Rail have in the East of England, the work opportunities available, and the wider opportunities this new infrastructure will create and sites it will help unlock.

Transport East – Andrew Summers, Strategic Director

Transport East’s 30-year strategy aims to decarbonise travel and improve the transport network in the East of England. Bringing about 3.5 million homes, 1.7 million jobs to people in the region and £73.5 billion in economic growth.  Andrew Summers – Director will be joining the session to discuss intel on infrastructure schemes in the region, East Transports role in economic growth and the challenges of developing connected places.

East of England Local Government Association, Suffolk County Council – Cllr Matthew Hicks, Chair, Leader

Cllr Matthew Hicks, Chair of the East of England Local Government Association  & Leader of Suffolk County Council, he has been committed to working collaboratively across Suffolk with the district and borough councils, leaders of the health sector, business and the wider Suffolk community. Matthew will be joining us to outline the aims and objectives of the day.

CALA Homes – Jim Brunt, Land Director, North Home Counties

CALA are a top 10 UK housebuilder with a significant presence in the East of England. They are one of the only major home builders to have returned to pre-pandemic levels of delivery and delivered over 3,200 new homes in 2022. Their North Homes Counties division covers the East of England and some of their key upcoming g projects include 372 homes in Waterbeach in Cambridgeshire, 147 homes at Arsley Cross, Central Bedfordshire and 140 homes near Hemel Hempstead.

Lovell – Mary Parsons, Regeneration and Partnerships Director

Lovell is developing inclusive communities across the UK – Recently announcing a 90,000 sq. ft of wet laboratory at Unity Campus, a £700 million, that includes 7000 homes in Suffolk, a £7.7 million development in Lincolnshire, a £30m waterside development of 147 homes at Doncaster Lakeside; The Coppice, a £12m development of 47 homes at Chapel-en-le-Frith; and The Spires, a £13.2m, 73-home scheme at Branston, near Lincoln. Mary will be joining the session to share intel on latest developments, thought leadership on growing economic growth and the challenges of regional development.

Norfolk County Council – Vince Muspratt, Director of Growth and Development

Norfolk County Council is a pioneer in innovation and regeneration -recently proposing a £24 million King’s Lynn Sustainable Transport and Regeneration Scheme, which follows the £718 million major schemes due for completion by 2027, including Great Yarmouth third river crossing, Long Stratton bypass, Norwich Western Link, Castle keep museum and Investment in specialist school places and services.  Vince will be joining the session to share their notable infrastructure framework and thought leadership on how to accelerate the economy in the East of England.

Ipswich Borough Council – Helen Pluck, Interim Chief Executive

Ipswich Borough Council are redeveloping the region with £25 million Ipswich Town masterplan, a £33m Ipswich logistics park and £8.7m renovation of Ipswich Museum – aiming to increase economy. Helen will be joining the session to share intel on latest developments, regeneration projects and the challenges of developing the region.

Urban & Civic – Joe Dawson, Project Director

Urban & Civic continues to build value and demonstrate their pivotal role in accelerating large-scale residential delivery. Developing Waterbeach Barracks in Cambridgeshire, with 6500 homes over 716 acres. Previously developing a joint venture with Hertfordshire County Council to deliver a £500m urban extension including 3,300 homes together with commercial uses and associated infrastructure, including new schools and a country park. Joe will be joining the session to discuss current developments within the region.

Town – Jonny Anstead, Founding Director

TOWN is a profit-with-purpose developer, delivering homes, streets, and neighbourhoods. With current plans to develop a multi-million-pound, 48-hectare Core Site in Cambridge, which includes 5500 home and mixed-use spaces, the project has secured £227 million grant from the housing association infrastructure fund to assist in kickstarting the development. Jonny will be joining the session to discuss major development plans, the future of regeneration and potential collaboration opportunities.

Cambridge City Council – Cllr Katie Thornburrow, Executive Councillor for Planning Policy and Infrastructure

Cambridge City Council are working to regenerate the area, drive regional wellbeing and push for economic growth. Katie – Executive Councillor for Planning Policy and Infrastructure, will be joining us to add thought leadership to the panel.

Socius – Liam Ronan-Chlond, Head of Engagement

In partnership with Railpen, Socius are set to deliver their second major Cambridge City Centre scheme, a 500,000 sq ft, £500m sustainable commercial project. Adjacent to the Botanic Gardens. The development expands their East of England footprint following plans for a £160m mixed use scheme at Devonshire Gardens and £180m MK Gateway project. Liam will be joining the session to discuss current development plans in the region.

Willmott Dixon – Richard Davidson, Director

Willmott Dixon is a privately-owned contracting and interior fit-out group. Founded in 1852, we have a purpose beyond profit to leave a positive legacy in our communities and environment. In 2018 we were one of only six companies to receive a Queen’s Awards for Enterprise in the promoting opportunity through social mobility category, we followed this in 2019 by winning another Queen’s Awards for Enterprise for sustainable development, our third award in total. Our commitment that there’s ‘no better place to enjoy a career of a lifetime’ saw Willmott Dixon come fourth in the Sunday Times Best Companies to work for list in 2019 and this was followed by being ranked number one for the UK in the FT’s first ever Diversity Leaders list for being an inclusive employer