IS THE PARTY OVER

Is Liverpool's annual booze cruise over? Is it credit crunched?
Can Liverpool's property developers even afford a round?

Every year thousands of property developers descend on the south of France for the annual deal fix and Liverpool Council away from public scrutiny have their own little team there.

Today's BD magazine reported by Will Henley
http://www.bdonline.co.uk/
Recession hits Mipim attendance
5 March, 2009
By Will Henley
Visitor numbers slump by a third
The number of delegates heading to Mipim this year has plummeted by more than a third as architects, public bodies, agents and developers slash their representation at the world’s largest property fair.
Organisers revealed this week that just 18,000 individuals had registered to attend the fair in Cannes next week, down by 11,000 on the 29,000 that attended last year, with the number of architectural and design practices heading to France dropping by 37% in a year, from 765 to just 484.
“One would expect fewer people with world economies in the state they are and companies cutting back on expenditure,” said Peter Rhodes, UK managing director of organiser Reed Mipim.
“During hard times, we expect fewer people as bosses get fussy about who goes travelling. They have to justify why they need to be there, so it’s only the quality people who will be going — no time wasters — and everyone is entirely focused on doing business.”
Rhodes revealed that one large agency, which he refused to name, had cut last year’s 180 attendees by half.
But he added that he hoped to see further registrations, taking the total number attending to as high as 20,000 — similar to the level seen in 2005.
The London Development Agency is one public sector client cutting back, reducing last year’s Mipim headcount of nine to just four this year, it said this week.
Mipim veteran Peter Murray, organiser of Cycle2Cannes and chairman of Wordsearch, claimed the decision had been taken thanks to ill-informed and negative press coverage of Mipim, and warned that the decision to pull staff was short-sighted.
“The craziest thing is the LDA cutting the number of people it is sending because of negative press [about it enjoying champagne receptions], when its development team needs to be meeting investors who will potentially be coming to London when we get any upturn,” he said.
“Those who do go find huge benefits. Those who chickened out will miss out.”
Highlights of this year’s Mipim include a panel debate with star architects Zaha Hadid, Daniel Libeskind, Thom Mayne and Wolf Prix, who will discuss the future for architectural practices.
Related articles
Star line-up announced for this year’s Mipim
Hopkins' Mike Taylor cycles to Mipim in Cannes

http://icliverpool.icnetwork.co.uk/0100news/0200businessnews/2007/03/07/confident-move-into-more-prominent-place-at-property-showpiece-50061-18719203/



HERE IS ONE THEY DID EARLIER
reported in the Daily Post
http://icliverpool.icnetwork.co.uk/0100news/fourthgrace/2002/03/12/fourth-grace-is-best-challenge-in-europe-50061-11694480/


Fourth Grace is best challenge in Europe
Mar 12 2002
By Claire Tolley Daily Post Staff

THE search for a developer to create Liverpool's Fourth Grace will be launched at an international trade fair tomorrow.
Regeneration company Liverpool Vision will launch the quest to deliver the prestigious waterfront development at the Marche International des Professionals de L'Immoblier 2002 event in Cannes.
It hopes a preferred developer can be chosen for the Mann Island site by November.
The competition is one of the cornerstones of an exhibition by a 50-strong team from the city's public and private sector MIPIM.
Their aim is to attract investment to Liverpool under the banner Winning City, Winning Team.
Story continues

They will have access to more than 16,000 leading real estate developers and architects from around the world due to attend the four-day event.
Sir Joe Dwyer, chairman of Liverpool Vision, said that the image of the Pier Head was how the city was recognised across the world.
He added: "We want a development partner of substance and imagination.
"The Fourth Grace will be an architectural signature read across the world, an iconic and innovative waterfront development."
Sir Joe said Liverpool Vision would invite expressions of interest at MIPIM before potential developers are asked to present initial plans, funding options and long term sustainability and stewardship proposals. A short-list will be drawn up before a candidate is picked in November.
Mike Shields, chief executive of the North West Development Agency, which has acquired the site for the Fourth Grace, said: "Mann Island is the best piece of real estate in the North West if not the country.
"We want to build upon this city's rich heritage and create a new and vibrant economy.
"That is why we have put over £80m in a variety of projects across Merseyside."
Team Liverpool includes leading names from the private sector such as Neptune Developments, responsible for the Speke Marriot Hotel, David McLean Group and Downing Developments which has recently acquired Leicester City Football Club's ground and have ambitious plans for the Scandinavian Hotel in Chinatown.
The campaign is being spearheaded by Liverpool City Council, Liverpool Vision and Speke Garston Development Company.
They are seeking to market commercial development opportunities in Liverpool while linking with the bid to be crowned Capital of Culture in 2008.
The city council is also seeking a private partner for a £15m office development on the car park in Victoria Street at the back of the Municipal Buildings.
The Liverpool stand includes a multi-media presentation showcasing life in the city and a private meeting area for negotiations with interested investors.
The exhibition will include Liverpool FC's Charity Shield and European Super Cup trophies and performances by tribute band the Cheat Beatles.
Liverpool's Speke Marriot Hotel could also be in line for an international award after being short-listed in the trade fair's competition for Best Hotel Development...SUPL:





4th Grace Background is a deal done at MIPIM.


http://icliverpool.icnetwork.co.uk/0100news/0200businessnews/2007/03/13/investment-plea-50061-18745588/