From Forum to Framework: Regionalisation and the Next Chapter in UK Real Estate
Regionalisation is rapidly emerging as a defining force in the transformation of the UK’s urban landscape. This year’s UK Real Estate Investment and Infrastructure Forum (UKREiiF) in Leeds reinforced this shift, attracting over 16,500 delegates from across the UK and abroad. The event made it clear that devolved powers are enabling regions to accelerate investment, drive tailored regeneration strategies, and deliver growth aligned with local priorities. Cities such as Manchester, Liverpool, and Tees Valley are now widely cited as leading examples of how regional governance can reshape urban futures.
Among the standout participants at UKREiiF was Glasgow, whose presence underscored the city’s commitment to securing long-term investment and sustainable development. Supported by Invest Glasgow, Glasgow City Region, Scottish Enterprise, and both Glasgow City and South Lanarkshire councils, the city unveiled a landmark initiative: the £500 million Clyde Gateway Innovation masterplan. This transformative project will regenerate over 100 hectares of land across Dalmarnock and Shawfield, creating a mixed-use environment of commercial, residential, and hospitality development, all underpinned by low-carbon infrastructure and green connectivity.
Central to the strategy is a collaborative model that integrates the public sector, private investment, and academic expertise often referred to as the ‘triple helix’ of innovation. The University of Strathclyde’s research capabilities, combined with private sector capital and public policy support, are expected to drive innovation across advanced manufacturing, clean energy, and life sciences. This approach reflects a broader recognition that sustained urban regeneration depends not only on capital investment, but on the integration of knowledge, innovation, and place-based planning.
Importantly, the focus of investment has expanded beyond purely financial returns. ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) criteria have become central to both public and private sector decision-making. Clyde Gateway has already established a strong track record of delivering outcomes that align economic growth with community development, environmental improvement, and social impact. The Innovation District will build on this foundation, further embedding sustainability and inclusivity into Glasgow’s growth narrative.
Glasgow’s proactive engagement at UKREiiF signals a clear intention: to lead by example in the next generation of regional development. While the legislative context may differ from that of English combined authorities, the ambition, strategy, and delivery capacity are fully aligned with national and international standards. The real measure of success will be in how quickly and effectively this momentum is converted into investment, infrastructure, and opportunity. With the Clyde Gateway Innovation project now in motion, Glasgow is positioning itself as a model for regional regeneration in the 21st century.
