Global developers next week have their chance to see a masterplan for the regeneration of Stoke-on-Trent city centre - a project expected to create up to 1,000 jobs over eight years.
InStaffs, inward investment agency for Stafford-shire, will reveal a computer model of the plans on March 15 at MIPIM, the annual international inward investment event in Cannes.
Funded with the city council, North Staffordshire Regeneration Zone and Renew North Staffordshire, the model will act as the catalyst for an investment drive that could reach over £5 billion.
The masterplan includes proposed layouts for the business district, university quarter and redevelopment of the east-west precinct.
"We've been waiting to reveal the future of Stoke-on-Trent and Newcastle-under-Lyme and what better way than in front of the biggest property audience ever assembled," said John de Kanter, chief executive of InStaffs.
"The area is one of the largest in the UK yet to be regenerated so offers developers a chance to be part of 'the next big thing' and is sure to grab the attention of people at MIPIM."
Mark Meredith, elected mayor of Stoke-on-Trent, will be in Cannes to deliver a presentation to bring new, high quality jobs.
He will talk about flagship schemes, including the Renew-led housing programme and a massive education boost to see 120 schools refurbished or rebuilt.
He will provide the latest information on employment opportunities, with up to 10,000 jobs set to be created in professional services, education, construction, retail and leisure.
There will be hundreds of job opportunities in the hotel and leisure trade, as Stoke-on-Trent looks to position itself as a vibrant, cosmopolitan 21st century city.
Mr Merideth said: "It represents a new future for our city, an exciting future I am sure will appeal to the major international investors who attend this event.
"The model, created by the Hothouse in Stoke-on-Trent, shows how we plan to create a city centre at the heart of a thriving region made up of specialist districts, high quality public spaces and innovative architectural designs.
"We are not simply talking about a series of new eye-catching buildings.
"We are talking about building a new identity and culture for our city to attract inward investment, tourism and wealth for locals."
The business district will be a gateway to the city centre and provide much-needed high-quality office space and will house striking buildings, contemporary restaurants and a public square.
"There should be 2,500 jobs created, with major blue chip and local professional services firms eager to set-up a base between Birmingham and Manchester," said Mr De Kanter.
"This will be supple-mented with opportunities at the university quarter and redevelopment of the east-west precinct, which sees the bus station moved and a top-level retail offer to compliment the Potteries Shopping Centre."
