On Thursday 6th March 2026, Downtown in Business, in partnership with Starship, brought together senior investors, developers, policymakers and industry leaders at the Starship Wirral Waters headquarters for a landmark briefing focused on the future of industrialised construction and large-scale regeneration ahead of MIPIM 2026.
The event convened leading voices from across the public and private sectors to explore how modern methods of construction are increasingly critical to unlocking housing delivery, accelerating regeneration and supporting economic growth across UK cities. Following the discussion, guests were invited to tour Starship’s impressive Wirral Waters Manufacturing Campus.
A key highlight of the briefing was the announcement of a major UK-exclusive manufacturing partnership with a leading European materials producer, alongside a series of strategic collaborations with global construction and building technology leaders. Starship also revealed significant new investment in advanced automation at its Wirral facility, as well as confirming plans for its first overseas expansion into North America. The event also showcased RoboBrick, Starship’s modern method of construction, which combines traditional brick aesthetics with advanced off-site manufacturing to significantly accelerate build times while maintaining high design and quality standards.
The discussion focused on how industrialised construction can help remove barriers to development and significantly increase the pace of housing and infrastructure delivery. Speakers also explored how the sector can support the creation of a next-generation construction workforce, combining manufacturing capability, digital expertise and modern delivery methods.
Starship CEO Dave Dargan used the event to set out the company’s ambition for the future of industrialised construction and the role it can play in delivering high-quality homes and places at scale.
Liverpool City Council Leader and Liverpool City Region Combined Authority Cabinet Member for Innovation, Cllr Liam Robinson, joined us to congratulate Starship on the partnerships and projects it is driving across the city region, including the landmark Festival Gardens development. Liam Robinson highlighted Liverpool’s growing international profile, describing the city as a top ten global brand outside of capital cities and emphasising how that reputation is an increasingly powerful tool in attracting investment.
“MIPIM is the best opportunity to show investors and developers that the city’s civic leadership are working hand in hand with the city’s business leadership,” said Cllr Robinson.
Starship’s European partners Vandersanden, VELUX and Saint-Gobain also joined Downtown in Business CEO Frank McKenna to reveal new partnerships and working collaborations aimed at supporting the development of next-generation homes and commercial space across the Liverpool City Region.
Also joining us was Catherine Holmes from Homes England, who discussed the role of the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority’s Mayoral Development Corporation and outlined how her organisation is working to unlock funding and investment to accelerate housing delivery. She also highlighted new dedicated banking and finance solutions for housebuilders that will be available from 1 April 2026.
The session concluded with remarks from David Meyerowitz, Chair of the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority Business and Enterprise Board, who reflected on the importance of strong collaboration between civic leadership, investors and industry in driving forward ambitious regeneration and economic growth.
