Catalysing change through partnership

As the dust finally settles on UKREiiF 2025 and life returns to its usual rhythm, I’ve had the chance to reflect on what was a truly energising and inspiring few days in Leeds.

For Muse, this year’s conference wasn’t just about showcasing projects. It was about demonstrating the impact we’re having across the North and the power of partnerships to unlock complex, integrated regeneration.

What emerged most clearly was a tale of four cities and regions – Wakefield, Hull, Durham, and Bradford. Each has its own identity, challenges, and ambitions, but all are united by a shared vision to create places that are more connected, inclusive, and future-ready.

Building a vision for the future for Wakefield

Our announcement of a Pre-Development Agreement with Wakefield Council marked a significant milestone in our journey together. As the council’s Strategic Regeneration Partner, we’re now working hand-in-hand to bring forward the next phase of their ambitious masterplan. The panel discussion with the West Yorkshire Place Partnership was a powerful moment of alignment between public and private sectors, outlining both vision and delivery.

The masterplan goes beyond just new buildings, with a vision to create a residential-led, mixed-use city centre that drives economic activity, improves connectivity, and enhances public realm. The PDA provides the structure to develop funding and delivery strategies that will underpin future investment and grant business cases. It’s a bold step forward for Wakefield, and we’re proud to be part of it.

Reconnecting Hull’s city centre to its river

In Hull, the announcement of our 15-year development agreement through ECF (our partnership with Homes England and L&G) was another highlight. The East Bank Urban Village is a transformative opportunity to bring up to 850 new homes to the city centre, breathing life back into the urban core and reconnecting Hull to its historic riverfront.

The panel event at Fearns captured the spirit of ambition that’s driving this project. From the restoration of the Grade II-listed Trinity Buoy Shed to the delivery of buildings of scale, this is regeneration that respects heritage while embracing the future. The recent formation of the Hull and East Yorkshire Combined Authority adds further momentum, and the availability of Levelling Up Partnership funding can help us move forward with a hybrid planning application and early works.

Innovation rooted in place for Durham

A further announcement came from Durham, where we’ve signed a Joint Venture and Development Management Agreement with Durham County Council to deliver the first phase of the Durham Innovation District at Aykley Heads. This 15-hectare site, set within a wider 64-hectare innovation ecosystem, has the potential to be nationally and internationally significant.

The panel discussion brought together our Triple Helix partners Durham County Council, and Durham University, alongside Jo Stevens from Oxford Innovation Spaces. Together, we explored what makes a true innovation district. It’s not about creating a cluster of buildings, but rather a collaborative ecosystem where knowledge-driven businesses, academic institutions, startups, and investors come together to drive research, innovation, and economic growth.

The first step is already underway, with SQW conducting research to define the district’s specialism. Alongside this, we’ll be developing the masterplan with a view to submitting a hybrid planning application next year.

A city on the rise in Bradford

In Bradford, UKREiiF provided the perfect platform to launch the next stage of public consultation for City Village. Alongside Council Leader Susan Hinchcliffe and Strategic Director of Place David Shepherd from Bradford Council, we shared updates on the hybrid planning application (due for submission on 4 August) and confirmed InCommunities as our forward funding partner for the first phase of townhouses.

The Mayor’s introduction set the tone, highlighting the broader programme of investment in Bradford, from improved rail connectivity and the Bradford Live venue to a new markets complex and a growing city centre residential offer. City Village is central to this transformation, creating a vibrant, inclusive neighbourhood that supports the city’s ambitions for growth and regeneration.

The power of partnership

Across all four cities, one theme stood out, the need for complex, integrated regeneration. These are not simple, single-use developments. They are layered, place-based interventions that weave together transport, heritage, innovation, housing, and public realm. They require deep collaboration, long-term vision, and a shared commitment to delivery.

At Muse, we thrive in this complexity. We bring together the right partners, unlock funding, and deliver at pace, always with a focus on creating places that work for people. UKREiiF 2025 was a powerful reminder of what’s possible when ambition meets action.

As we look ahead, I’m more confident than ever in the role Muse can play in shaping the future of our towns and cities.