UKREiiF: Haroon, thank you for joining us today. Could you briefly introduce yourself and your role at Harworth Group?

Haroon Akram: Certainly. I’m Haroon Akram, Director of Strategy, Investment and Business Development at Harworth Group Plc. My role primarily revolves around helping the business to set and deliver towards its strategies for growth, ensuring they align with our vision of fostering economic growth and community regeneration.

UKREiiF: Let’s dive into one of your flagship projects. Can you tell us more about the Waverley development and its significance?

Haroon Akram: Absolutely. Waverley stands as a testament to what regeneration can achieve. We transformed the former Orgreave Coal mining site into what is now Yorkshire’s largest mixed-use development. It’s strategically located near the M1, placing it at the heart of the South Yorkshire Combined Authority. The project wasn’t just about constructing buildings; it was about breathing life into a once dormant area. We’ve delivered up to 1900 homes, and perhaps more notably, we’ve established an advanced manufacturing park. This park is now home to global giants like Boeing and McLaren Automotive.

UKREiiF: That sounds like a massive undertaking. How has this project impacted the local economy and community?

Haroon Akram: The impact has been profound. At Waverley, we’ve not only regenerated the land but also infused it with opportunities. Today, there are more jobs at Waverley than there were during its coal mining era. This means young individuals in the area now have the chance to work with leading global brands without having to leave their community. It’s a blend of preserving local heritage while introducing modern opportunities.

UKREiiF: Beyond employment, what other aspects of the community have been influenced by the Waverley project?

Haroon Akram: Beyond the tangible economic benefits, there’s a renewed sense of community pride and identity. The advanced manufacturing park, for instance, isn’t just an industrial hub. It’s a centre of excellence for high-end manufacturing, research, and innovation. We’ve also ensured that the community has ample green spaces, fostering a connection with nature. Plans are underway for additional amenities, including a hotel and a mixed-use development, further enhancing the quality of life for residents.

UKREiiF: It’s evident that Harworth Group is deeply invested in regeneration. Can you shed light on the challenges faced during such projects?

Haroon Akram: Regeneration, especially of brownfield sites, is never without its challenges. With Waverley, for instance, the remediation process was intricate. We had to ensure the land was safe and suitable for development, which took considerable time and resources. Additionally, coordinating with various stakeholders, from local authorities to global businesses, requires meticulous planning and communication. But the end result, seeing a thriving community rise from a once-abandoned site, makes all the challenges worth it.

UKREiiF: Moving to a broader perspective, how do you see the UK’s position in terms of competitiveness on the global stage, especially in the real estate and regeneration sectors?

Haroon Akram: The UK has always had a rich history in advanced manufacturing and engineering. However, in recent times, there’s been a feeling that we’re not as competitive as we could be, especially when compared to other global players. There’s a need for a more cohesive national industrial strategy. While there are positive steps being taken, such as the devolution powers to combined authorities, there’s still much to be done. The planning regime, for instance, needs to be more agile and responsive to the needs of large-scale regeneration projects. We need to be at the forefront of attracting big multinational players, ensuring that we provide the right incentives and infrastructure to make the UK an attractive destination for investment.

UKREiiF: In light of these challenges, how has UKREiiF played a role in Harworth’s journey?

Haroon Akram: UKREiiF has been a pivotal platform for us. It’s not just about showcasing our projects; it’s about engaging with industry peers, learning from their experiences, and fostering relationships that drive the entire sector forward. The connections we’ve made and the insights we’ve gained have been invaluable in refining our approach and ensuring we remain at the forefront of regeneration and development. The event has allowed us to meet influential individuals and stakeholders, facilitating conversations that might have otherwise taken months to initiate. With the right catalysts in place, Harworth has a project pipeline which when fully unlocked has the potential to deliver double digit billions of Gross Value Add in the local economies thriving employment and residential communities.

UKREiiF: Haroon, thank you for sharing these insights. It’s inspiring to see the tangible impact of regeneration projects on communities and the broader economic landscape.

Haroon Akram: It’s been a pleasure. At Harworth, we believe in creating lasting legacies, and it’s heartening to see our vision come to life in projects like Waverley.