Northern Gateway

STAFFORDSHIRE’S investment potential has been promoted to global investors at the MIPIM property festival in Cannes focusing on opportunities to develop the County town into a sub-regional centre as part of the newly launched Constellation Partnership and HS2. Cllr Patrick Farrington, leader of Stafford Borough Council and Cllr Mark Winnington, cabinet member for Economic Growth at Staffordshire County Council  told delegates that Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent’s comprehensive connectivity by road, rail and air means the region occupies a pivotal location in the UK, one that with the advent of HS2 will open up the economic opportunities created by its strategic  location

THE leader of Cheshire East Council has predicted that Crewe will be the busiest stop on the new HS2 line as she unveiled a new masterplan for the town at the MIPIM property festival. Cllr Rachel Bailey said: “HS2 is a landmark moment for Crewe and the region as a whole. This once in a lifetime opportunity will trigger transformational change in UK connectivity over the next decade which will make Crewe the busiest station on the HS2 line. It has raised the expectations of the local community and the full weight of the council is behind the project. “It’s

The Northern Gateway Development Zone (NGDZ), which spans areas of Cheshire and Staffordshire, has been rebranded as The Constellation Partnership. The unveiling of the new brand took place at MIPIM. The Constellation Partnership’s ambition is to deliver 120,000 new jobs and 100,000 new homes by 2040. Independent chair Jackie Sadek said: "I believe that the Constellation name will have the right resonance with the markets and a lasting impact. This region, between the Northern Powerhouse and the Midlands Engine is not only nationally important, but also a distinctive constellation of inter-connected and complementary niche economies, each important in its own