BOOK NOW | West Yorkshire Development Update
Join us in Leeds on Tuesday 7 July where the spotlight will be on West Yorkshire’s development pipeline, bringing together senior public and private sector figures to discuss the projects, investment, and partnerships shaping the region’s future.
The West Yorkshire Development Update will explore some of the biggest opportunities and challenges facing the region, from city centre regeneration and housing delivery to transport connectivity, infrastructure investment, healthtech, and innovation-led growth.
With major schemes progressing across Leeds, Bradford, and Wakefield, alongside growing momentum behind mass transit and wider regeneration ambitions, the event will provide attendees with direct insight into the direction of travel for development and construction in West Yorkshire.
Delegates will hear from key decision-makers and industry leaders including Henri Murison, Clare Elliott, Lee Arnell, Mark Jackson, and David Khalastchi.
Topics set to feature include the redevelopment of Leeds’ Old Medical School, the £1bn Eastgate Quarter scheme, regional regeneration priorities, and the role of infrastructure investment in unlocking future growth.
The conference will also offer attendees the opportunity to network with developers, local authorities, consultants, contractors, and investors in an informal setting.
Speakers confirmed so far:
Henri Murison, chief executive of the Northern Powerhouse Partnership
Since his appointment in 2017, Murison has established the Northern Powerhouse Partnership as the business-led organisation that convenes the North together. From making the case for significant investment in key transport priorities and further devolution deals for the North, to challenging for a better deal for the most disadvantaged from the education system, his team are focused on how government, business and partners can drive the North’s ambitions.
Nikki Davis, principal & chief executive officer, Leeds College of Building
Davis is the principal & chief executive officer of Leeds College of Building, the largest provider of construction and the built environment programmes in England, with provision from entry level through to degree apprenticeships. She is a CITB trustee, and more recently was asked to represent further education on the Construction Skills Mission Board, co-chaired by Mark Reynolds of Mace, and government.
Callum Whittaker, inclusive economy lead, West Yorkshire Combined Authority
Whittaker works at the intersection of economic growth, social impact, and regional development. His work focuses on ensuring major investment in sectors such as health-tech, finance, and infrastructure creates inclusive opportunities, good jobs, and long-term prosperity across West Yorkshire. Whittaker brings experience in building cross-sector partnerships and shaping strategies that connect innovation and growth with better outcomes for communities and businesses alike.
Lee Arnell, head of place and regeneration programmes, Leeds City Council
Arnell is accountable for driving the delivery of Leeds’ flagship place programmes through strategic partnerships, to achieve housing, economic, and cultural growth at priority locations and has more than 18 years experience in delivering major regeneration initiatives. Arnell leads the Council’s work with Leeds United on Elland Road regeneration, the Innovation Arc, growth around major transport infrastructure, heritage schemes, Heart of Holbeck, and City Centre Regeneration through Leeds Transformational Regeneration programme.
Mark Jackson, consultant, Scarborough Group International
After graduating from the University of Reading in 1995, Jackson joined the London office of Teesland (part of Scarborough Group). In 2002 he moved to the Epsom-based national housebuilder Gladedale Group, becoming a director of a number of its subsidiaries, and ultimately managing director of its mixed-use division. Jackson rejoined Scarborough in 2010 as managing director of SDG, a new vehicle to relaunch the group’s UK development activity (Teesland having been sold in 2007 to Valad).
Clare Elliott, service director for economic growth and skills, Wakefield Council
With almost 20 years of Local Government experience, Elliott has held her current position since 2018. Clare is actively leading the organisation’s transformational economic growth and regeneration projects, including the effective delivery of the strategic housing and regeneration capital programme with a value of almost £100m.
Adam Brannen, assistant director regeneration & economy, Bradford Council
Brannen is a respected regeneration and place leader with more than 25 years of public sector experience, much of it in West Yorkshire. For 12 years he was head of regeneration for Leeds City Council before moving to Bradford Council as assistant director for regeneration & economy in January 2026. He has delivered major extensions, affordable housing programmes, largescale infrastructure projects, and innovative financing tools.
- David Khalastchi, managing director of Khalbros
The event will take place on Tuesday 7 July, from 8am to midday at the Marriott Hotel in Leeds.
Tickets cost £90+VAT. Local authorities and registered providers can purchase tickets at a 50% discount. Breakfast and lunch is included.
Book using the form below – if you can’t see the form, please contact [email protected]
