Salamanca Groups’ Director of Planning & Economic Development: Claire Pearce chaired the Regeneration and Investment Showcase session at the Western Gateway Development Conference.
Claire was joined by a diverse panel:
- Cllr Tom Renhard, Cabinet Member for Housing Delivery and Homes, Bristol City Council;
- Wendy Maden, Principal Urban Designer, Bath & North East Somerset Council; and
- Michael Coe, Commercial Director, Bristol Zoological Society
The session outlined large-scale regeneration projects across the Western Gateway and wider region, drawing on the challenges, opportunities and lessons learnt from the progress so far including fostering the conditions for investment, the importance of leadership, and embedding culture and community.
Before handing over to the other panellists’ Claire discussed the Group’s principal investment, Gravity, a hyper-connected 616-acre site near Bridgwater, in Somerset, which is primed to create up to 7,500 jobs.
Claire also introduced a significant project supported by the Group in the leisure and tourism sector, Wildfox Resorts. Wildfox Resorts Group will design and operate a series of sustainable next-generation resorts underpinned by adventure and wellbeing. The first consented resort located in the Afan Valley, South Wales will offer a unique combination of activities of adrenaline experiences, relaxing spas and dining experiences.
Claire reflected on the session and the wider conference, “It’s fantastic to be back in person talking about these transformational developments and learning from each other’s experiences. Strategic projects such as Gravity fall into a unique category, where its success in securing a world class advanced manufacturing facility will deliver a huge economic uplift to the region.
Watch Claire’s session here.