The West of England is setting out an ambitious £17 billion investment proposition today as regional leaders head to the UK’s flagship real estate and infrastructure conference in Leeds.
At the UK’s Real Estate Investment & Infrastructure Forum (UKREiiF), the Mayor and senior business figures will make the case for a new wave of jobs, homes and infrastructure in what is already the country’s fastest‑growing regional economy.
Central to the pitch are the West of England’s five designated growth zones, first outlined in last year’s Growth Strategy. Together, they are expected to deliver 72,000 new jobs and drive 28% economic growth over the next decade, while unlocking land for tens of thousands of new homes.
The region’s recent track record underpins the confidence of today’s investment ask. Over the past ten years, the West of England has created 100,000 new jobs. Since 2019, its economy has grown four times faster than the national average, and in 2023 it expanded by almost 3%, outperforming every other combined authority area – including London.
To coincide with UKREiiF in Leeds, the West of England has published a new Investment Prospectus, setting out priority opportunities for institutional investors, developers and infrastructure partners.
Key projects highlighted include:
Bristol Temple Quarter, Brabazon and the West Innovation Arc
A series of multi‑billion‑pound developments spanning north Bristol and South Gloucestershire, alongside the Bath Riverside Innovation District. Together, these sites could support up to 50,000 new homes and tens of thousands of jobs, with two cities and a new town connected within minutes by rail.
Transformational transport infrastructure
Plans for a region‑wide mass‑transit system form a cornerstone of the West’s long‑term Transport Vision. Backed by record levels of government funding, the proposals aim to improve connectivity, cut journey times and open up entirely new corridors for housing and commercial development.
A £500 million Future Places Fund
The proposed fund would enable the early acquisition of land across the region, helping to de‑risk major schemes, accelerate delivery and unlock sites that might otherwise remain undeveloped.
Mayor of the West of England Helen Godwin said:
"The West of England is the fastest-growing region economically but we can do even better - especially on transport. That's why it's important that, as well as championing the exciting investment opportunities offered for building new homes to tackle the housing crisis, we also go to national and international investors to highlight what transport improvements can deliver.
"With the right backing, we can cut congestion, speed up travel, and increase people's quality of life. We have already secured record investment from national government in transport - more than three-quarters of a billion pounds - and know what a difference further private and public investment in our area can make to unlock more new jobs and more economic growth."
The West of England’s presence at UKREiiF reflects a broad public‑private partnership approach. The regional delegation, working in partnership with headline sponsor YTL UK Group, brings together major employers, investors, universities and all four local authorities.
Organisations represented include Ameresco, Vattenfall Heat UK, NCC, Savills, Universities West, Bristol Temple Quarter, Bristol Airport, Bromford Flagship LiveWest, Axis Works, Stoford, AtkinsRéalis, Arcadis, Arup, AECOM, BBRC, the Bristol Property Agents Association and the region’s councils.
For public‑sector leaders, the message from Leeds is clear: the West of England is not only growing faster than anywhere else in the country, but is actively seeking partners to help scale delivery – and to do so at pace.
Image credit: iStock
