Top line-up of panellists assembled for Derby Property Summit 2024

A top line-up of panellists has been assembled for a discussion which will take place during the forthcoming Derby Property Summit.

Due to take place at Reach Events, on Pride Park, on Wednesday 10 July, the panel will give their take on Derby’s regeneration story – and discuss the central theme of this year’s summit, which is entitled ‘This Must Be the Place’.

Organised by Marketing Derby, the Queen’s Award-winning investment promotion agency – the Derby Property Summit will once again be chaired by respected business journalist Declan Curry.

Backed by headline partner Smith Partnership, along with associate partner AtkinsRéalis and brand partners Compendium Living, Willmott Dixon, ION Developments and Vinci Developments UK, more than 300 people have signed up to attend the Derby Property Summit, including business leaders, key decision-makers and investors from across the region and beyond.

A key moment during the event is the panel discussion – and this year it will feature representatives from major developers and investors, who are all playing a key role in the city’s renaissance.

Joining the panel for this year’s event is Tammy Whitaker, Derby City Council’s director of city growth and vibrancy.

Tammy was recently to be seen at UKREiiF, as part of Team Derby, promoting key city centre investment opportunities.

She will be joined by James Dickens, managing director at Wavensmere Homes, a Birmingham-based company, which is investing heavily in Derby.

The firm has almost finished delivering the £175 million Nightingale Quarter scheme, which will see 925 new homes built on the site of the former Derbyshire Royal Infirmary in just five years.

And Wavensmere, working alongside Clowes Developments, has recently received planning permission for a £75 million project to transform the derelict Friar Gate Goods Yard site into a mixed-use scheme, featuring 274 homes.

Also taking part in the panel debate will be Paul Morris, director at St James Securities, the company which is delivering the £200 million Becketwell regeneration scheme.

Phase one of the scheme, which consists of The Condor – a building belonging to Grainger Plc, which is made up of 259 build-to-rent apartments – and a new public square.

Phase two, which involves the creation of a new 3,500 capacity performance venue, to be operated by ASM Global and being constructed by Bowmer + Kirkland, is due to be completed in early 2025.

Also joining the panel will be Graham Lambert, managing director at VINCI UK Developments and Steve Parry, managing director at ION Developments.

Earlier this year, the two companies were announced as Derby City Council’s preferred strategic development partner.

They are now working with the council, businesses and community stakeholders to develop their vision and designs for the regeneration of the city centre.

Atish Parmar, managing director of Cavendish & London Property Group, will also be sharing his thoughts on the city’s regeneration.

An independent property developer, his firm focuses on creating inspiring and innovative spaces for residential and commercial properties.

Rounding off the panel will be Danielle Upton, partner in commercial property at law firm Smith Partnership, which is a firm supporter of Derby and based in the city centre.

As well as the panel debate, the Derby Property Summit will also feature a line-up of respected keynote speakers.

They include Samantha McClary, editor of the EG (formerly Estates Gazette), which provides data, news and analytics for the UK commercial property market.

Also speaking will be high street expert Ojay McDonald, chief executive of the Association of Town and City Management, and Claire Ward, the recently elected East Midlands Mayor, will be taking the stage alongside the new leader of Derby City Council, Cllr Nadine Peatfield.

Finally, Rob Bence and Rob Dix from The Property Hub, a popular podcast, aimed at property investors, will be explaining to the audience why they believe Derby is an investment hotspot.

For more information about the Derby Property Summit visit https://www.marketingderby.co.uk/events/ .

To book your place e-mail Sarah McAllister at sarah@marketingderby.co.uk.