The UK’s Real Estate Investment and Infrastructure Forum

In May, we attended the UK’s Real Estate Investment and Infrastructure Forum (UK REiiF),which connects public and private-sector decision-makers to highlight investment opportunities - driving economic growth through development and regeneration.

We’ve had a presence at UK REiiF since it launched in 2022 and with devolution plans advancing, we attended this year's event alongside Warrington Borough and Cheshire West and Chester councils to showcase the scale of the investment and growth opportunities that are available across the region.

Round-up - Cheshire East Council at  UKREiiF 2025

We actively highlighted our vision for the borough at the 2025 UK Real Estate Investment & Infrastructure Forum ( UKREiiF ).  We would like to thank our sponsors, who funded our attendance, for their continued support, contributions and for sharing our vision.

Our event programme this year included a private roundtable event, which secured the attendance of central Government decisions makers, global investors and leaders in planning, health and education.

Whilst discussions at our roundtable focused on promoting Crewe’s strategic rail importance and the broader investment opportunities within the Cheshire East region, such as Handforth Garden Village, the forum provided the council with an opportunity to showcase the scale of potential available to investors and its direct strategic positioning for access and linkages to major networks, regions and growth zones.

Key Highlights from our  UKREiiF event programme

Crewe’s strategic Rail Connectivity

We emphasised Crewe’s pivotal role in the UK’s rail network, highlighting its 360-degree connectivity that links all corners of the country.

We proudly advocated for Crewe’s inclusion in future strategic rail investments, such as Northern Powerhouse Rail and rail services to Crewe and wider North West region, to enhance direct high-speed services to major cities like London, Manchester, and Birmingham. 

The importance of modernising Crewe railway station to meet 21st-century standards was also emphasised – aiming to support passenger growth and stimulate local regeneration efforts.

Showcasing our regeneration ambitions

We presented our regeneration plans around Crewe station, aiming to establish it as a true rail gateway to the north.

These plans are designed to complement existing and upcoming projects within the town centre, collectively referred to as the ‘Crewe360 hub’.

We have expressed gratitude to Lord Hendy of Richmond Hill, Minister of State for Rail, for joining us at  UKREiiF and engaging in positive discussions about these future plans. 

Unlocking other growth opportunities across the borough resonated with many visitors to our stand at the event and during table discussions – from our Garden Village development to the redevelopment of our market towns and high streets. 

Networks, relationships and highlights

This prestigious event allowed our leadership team to meet relevant stakeholders who will help drive future developments and investments across the borough. 

We not only hosted table discussions and participated in panel debates but had the opportunity to meet, showcase and now look to secure follow-up site visits with major investors and governmental officials.

This will ensure those discussions remain active with a view of securing our next round of developments. 

The panel events we attended included ‘Placemaking on an industrial scale’, which focused on the Muse-led Basford East development in Crewe and how the site is being delivered with communities and sustainability in mind.

We were also represented on a panel hosted by PAGABO, discussing ‘Grow Local: How do we use procurement as a strategic driver for economic growth?’.

Engagement and outreach

Throughout the event, we maintained active engagement with delegates and major stakeholders, sharing insights and updates about our developments.

We highlighted solid investment opportunities, leveraging our existing strengths and upcoming/planned developments to attract interest from investors and stakeholders.

This activity has led to an increased level of interest and meetings, site visits and appointments.

Collaborative presence with regional partners

At UKREiiF , we collaborated with Cheshire West and Chester Council and Warrington Borough Council under the Enterprise Cheshire and Warrington banner.

Together, proudly promoting the regional investment opportunities, including the Handforth Garden Village and the ORIGIN project in Ellesmere Port, which is central to the UK’s green industrial revolution.

We also discussed devolution plans for the region, aiming to drive sustainable and inclusive growth, driving prosperity across the North West as we look forward to a Cheshire and Warrington combined vision in the future.

We have an enormous amount of follow ups now to bring forward and crystalise our plans and can confirm we will be attending  UKREiiF 2026 to continue to build on the momentum.

Contact our business team.