Investors attending UKREiiF this week, the UK’s largest real estate event, are being urged to grasp the unrivalled opportunity presented by the Belfast city region’s real estate market, while it’s in the early stages of a long-term rally.
More than 100 major investors and developers from across the UK, Ireland and further afield attended a special Belfast city region event at UKREiiF in Leeds, where partner councils, developers and other stakeholders spelled out a compelling business case for investment.
Their confidence stems from the region’s burgeoning economy, unique dual market access to both the UK and European union markets, growing talent pool, high standard of living and favourable investment yields, which together paint a picture of a city region on the rise.
The Belfast City & Region Place Partnership (BCRPP), made up of public and private sector representatives presented the proposition at the special event in City Square House in the centre of Leeds. BCRPP also presented the offering from the Belfast City Region stand within the UKREiiF pavilion over the three days of the event,.
Damien Martin, Strategic Director of Place and the Economy, said: “UKREiiF attracts city regions from across the UK – but the Belfast City Region stands out for its unrivalled economic and social potential. Whether it’s transport-led regeneration, tourism, housing-led regeneration, or any other sector in our real estate offering, there are compelling reasons to invest in Belfast and UKREiiF has helped us deliver that message to investors.
“We have met a number of potential partners and look forward to bringing them to the Belfast city region soon to experience our unique offering firsthand. We’re excited to have them join us on our journey, one which will drive inclusive economic growth throughout the region.”
UKREiiF brings together more than 16,000 professionals from national and local government, investors, developers, end-users and the wider built environment industry.
The delegation has been highlighting the Belfast region’s burgeoning ecosystem of indigenous companies, global brands, world-class researchers and emerging start-ups which are able to take advantage of the Belfast region’s unique position – both geographically and politically – under the Windsor Framework, which gives our businesses access to trade in both the UK and European Union.
It is also showcasing the Belfast region’s robust talent pipeline from our world-class universities and further education colleges; growing demand for all types of residential accommodation and significantly increased connectivity thanks to the recently opened Belfast Grand Central Station.
BCRPP are also focusing on the boost to economic potential as a result of the £1 billion Belfast Region City Deal programme of investment which has already seen the development of the Studio Ulster global virtual production studios and research facilities, the Advanced Manufacturing Innovation Centre (AMIC), and the iREACH Health clinical research centre.
It will also highlight major regeneration schemes that are planned for Newry City Centre and Bangor Waterfront and investment in the region’s flourishing tourism sector, as visitor numbers continue to rise and the buoyant outlook for the years ahead thanks to exciting experiences in development such as Belfast Stories, Royal Hillsborough and Carrickfergus Castle; and upcoming major events including the 153rd Golf Open at Royal Portrush in July 2025, and the Comhaltas Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann in Belfast during August 2026, are driving demand for hotel accommodation across the region.
It will highlight plans to accelerate city centre living in Belfast and increase residential development across the city, which have recently been bolstered by Belfast City Council’s appointment of GRAHAM as delivery partner for £630m housing-led regeneration programme.
UKREiiF runs from 20-22 May 2025 in Leeds.
For more information on the Belfast City Region’s investment proposition, go to www.investinbelfast.com