This is the time to invest in Portsmouth, an audience of around 100 business leaders heard today at a top London conference.
Developers, investors and property professionals heard speakers including actor Sheila Hancock outline the opportunities now opening up in the south coast city.
The specially-invited guests were gathered at InvestPortsmouth, a networking event organised by Portsmouth City Council and hosted by CBRE, the world’s largest commercial real-estate services and investment firm.
The event, at CBRE’s West End HQ, was held to brief business people on the regeneration happening in the city; forthcoming developments; and opportunities available, particularly potential hotel sites.
A new promotional film for the city was launched at the event, and can be seen here.
Sheila Hancock, a former chancellor of the University of Portsmouth, said: “I’ve seen a lot of places around the world, but I truly believe that Portsmouth is one of the most exciting.
“You only have to look at its amazing new Mary Rose Museum; its proud maritime and naval heritage; its rich literary history; the new investment in the city’s theatres, museums and galleries; the miles of beautiful seafront and the wealth of stunning architecture, period and modern.
“Portsmouth is a unique and remarkable city.”
Speakers included David Williams, the council’s chief executive; James Brounger, managing director of CBRE’s south central region; Andrew Keeling of specialist hotel and tourism consultancy Hotel Solutions; and Centros director John Marsh, whose company is planning the Northern Quarter retail and leisure development in the city centre.
David Williams said: “The council is an entrepreneurial organisation itself – we run Portsmouth International Port and are leading many of the boldest investment projects in the city, such as a new motorway junction and other transport infrastructure. We welcome business and understand its needs.
“Millions of pounds of investment are being pumped into Portsmouth, with much more to come as the result of our successful City Deal with government.
“We have prime sites available for development; a highly-skilled workforce, who enjoy the lifestyle the city offers; and the right environment for investors.”
Commenting on the event James Brounger, Managing Director of CBRE’s South Central Region said: “We were delighted to be able host Portsmouth City Council’s first major inward investment event. As with many of the South’s main commercial centres there is still a shortage of quality commercial property across Portsmouth. However with improving confidence in the economy there is a much more opportunistic environment for developers and investors and in spite of the likelihood of increasing rental values Portsmouth benefits from excellent value occupational costs when compared to similar cities across the UK.”
