Retail spend to hit record €52bn
Investment in European retail property will hit a record €52bn (£36bn) in 2015, according to DTZ. Research released at MIPIM revealed that the UK was the favoured destination for retail investment in 2014, receiving 34% of the European total. The UK is set to be the primary focus for investors once again in 2015.
Vrensen joins CREFC
Commercial Real Estate Finance Council Europe has appointed Hans Vrensen as its consultant director for research and education. Vrensen was previously global head of research at DTZ. CREFC chief executive Peter Cosmetatos said: “Hans’s familiarity with data and practical experience with training and education make him the perfect addition to our team.”
Notts incubates bioscience hub
Nottingham city council has confirmed a new £30m bioscience development in the city. Construction is expected to start on the five-storey, 50,000 sq ft incubator facility in the summer. The council said it was already in talks with a preferred construction partner.
MAG ready for spec take off
Manchester Airports Group is to build a 75,000 sq ft speculative office at its £800m Airport City project in Manchester. Plans for the block have been submitted and, subject to consent, construction will start in the summer. Completion is expected in late 2016 or early 2017.
Derby unveils new city vision
Derby has unveiled a new 15-year city centre masterplan. The masterplan aims to capitalise on wealth created by the East Midlands city’s high-tech economy. It is focused on key development sites in the central core. These include sites carried over from the original Derby Cityscape masterplan launched in 2005 and new opportunities such as the city’s markets.
