North East England is opening its doors to global investors with the launch of its first-ever North East Investment Prospectus, unveiled by Mayor Kim McGuinness. This ambitious initiative highlights over £14 billion worth of investment opportunities across the region.
The prospectus showcases the North East’s strengths in key sectors such as offshore energy, advanced manufacturing, creative industries, life sciences, digital technology, defence, and space. It presents a compelling case for international developers and investors to engage with one of the UK’s most dynamic and forward-looking regions.
At the heart of the prospectus are 23 prime development sites—spanning industrial, commercial, and residential projects—covering more than 18 million square feet and representing £4.4 billion in potential investment.
This collaborative effort involved seven local authorities, the North East Combined Authority, and consultancy firm Arup, who worked together to identify and detail the region’s most promising opportunities. The launch took place at the North East Pavilion, where Mayor McGuinness officially introduced the prospectus.
The initiative covers a region of 2.2 million people, anchored by the vibrant cities of Newcastle, Sunderland, and Durham, and aims to position the North East as a global hub for innovation, industry, and sustainable growth
North East Mayor Kim McGuinness said:
“We’ve brought North East England together for the first time at UK REiiF to profile the new energy in our region and the unique offer we can make to investors.
“We have created a £4.4 billion portfolio of prime development opportunities in our first Investment Prospectus building on our world-class credentials in advanced manufacturing, life sciences, the creative industries and clean energy. That is just the heart of £14 billion of opportunity that runs through our fast-growing cities and exploits our unique location with three major ports on the North Sea coast.”
“As the first North East Mayor I am truly excited to be driving investment on a scale never seen before to create growth, jobs and opportunity for all.”
“We are building new infrastructure, growing skills and working closely with our Local Authorities to unlock the huge potential we have in these sites.”
Councillor Michael Mordey, leader of Sunderland City Council and portfolio holder for investment at the North East Combined Authority, said:
“Our region has much to offer to investors - you only have to look at the huge transformation underway in Sunderland and across the North East to know that it is a safe bet. So, it is fantastic to be flying the flag for the region at UKREiiF and ensuring that the market is well aware of the opportunities available.”
John McCabe, chief executive of North East Chamber of Commerce and chair of the North East Combined Authority business and economy board, said:
“I believe the North East Investment Prospectus will unlock new opportunities, attract significant funding and help ensure prosperity reaches all corners of our region.
“We will work closely with business to create the conditions for investment - supporting innovation clusters, boosting trade and ensuring local firms are connected into key regional infrastructure and regeneration projects.
“This is about ensuring economic growth translates into real opportunities for individuals, families and communities. It is a plan to invest in skills, infrastructure and innovation so the North East is not only competitive but enjoys sustainable growth.
“This vision has been created in the North East, launched in the North and from today, it will be shared with the world.”
Sandra Manson, Executive Director for Planning at Pegasus Group and Chair of Developing Consensus said:
“It is extremely exciting to see the scale of opportunity that there is across North East England and the new energy as we move forward collectively with business, local authorities and the Combined Authority working together. This really feels like a once in a generation moment with the scale of change and opportunity there is, so it’s thrilling to be part of that.”
Ben Turner, Senior Economist, Arup said:
"This prospectus demonstrates that the North East is primed to support significant economic growth through several sectors that are critical to the delivery of the UK Government's modern industrial strategy.
“It identifies major investment-ready sites that will support advanced manufacturing, life sciences, strategic city-centre placemaking projects, and a unique offering for offshore wind and maritime developments.
“It reflects the shared commitment among the North East Combined Authority and its partners to unlocking inclusive, sustainable economic growth and attracting global investment."
In addition to spotlighting individual development sites, the North East Investment Prospectus features the North East Investment Zone—a transformative initiative backed by £160 million from the North East Combined Authority. This funding aims to unlock significant private sector investment and generate 4,000 new jobs over the next ten years.
The prospectus also highlights the region’s strategic infrastructure assets, including three major ports, an international airport, and the Leamside Growth Corridor—a key development area leveraging the potential reopening of a vital rail link to enhance connectivity between the North East and major UK cities.
For the first time, the North East Mayor and all seven local authorities have come together at UKREiiF with a unified voice, presenting a cohesive vision for regional growth and investment.
Demonstrating the region’s strong collaborative ethos, a delegation of over 100 representatives from both the public and private sectors is actively promoting the North East’s sector strengths and investment opportunities to thousands of potential investors.
You can access and view the prospectus here.
Image credit: iStock
