London presents $12 billion investment projects with untapped multi-sector opportunities for Asian investors

Opportunity London, a new public-private initiative aimed at attracting capital investment to the city, will be heading to the Asia Pacific market for the first time. With a unique prospectus featuring 12 active projects valued at over US$12 billion, it will showcase specific investment opportunities across six asset classes – Low Carbon, Life Sciences, Leisure & Culture, Logistics & Light Industrial, Living, and Learning & Institutions.

The launch comes at a time when new research is highlighting untapped opportunities for Asian investors. In the first half of 2024, Japan led the Asian market as London’s largest investment source, contributing nearly US$400 million, followed by Singapore with investments nearing US$300 million. India, Taiwan, and Hong Kong also emerged as key contributors.

However, Opportunity London’s development pipeline offers even greater prospects for Asian investors, with US$13.6 billion in investible opportunities and a projected Gross Development Value (GDV) of US$56 billion. Key projects include:

• London’s first purpose-built film campus: Camden Film Quarter (CFQ) is a state-of-the-art film, television, and digital content facility
• Low-carbon heat network: Bunhill Heat Network, Islington, a sustainable energy initiative that recovers waste heat from the London Underground
• 85-acre waterside regeneration masterplan: Meridian Water, Enfield, a transformative project creating 10,000 new homes and 6,000 jobs, designed to revitalise London’s waterfront and foster community growth

London already has a thriving Asian investment ecosystem and is #1 in Europe for inward investment¹.

Most notably, Hong Kong’s MTR Corporation played a key role in developing the Elizabeth Line alongside other transport investments in the city. Asian capital has also made significant inroads across various sectors, particularly in offices, housing, and hospitality.

According to JLL, global real estate services company, by the end of 2024, Mainland China and Hong Kong are projected to be among the leading sources of capital entering the UK, reinforcing the UK’s, as well as London’s, role as a stable and attractive investment hub for Asian investors. London's five-year investment volume is the highest in the world² and this trend highlights London’s reputation as a secure and resilient destination, offering diverse opportunities across multiple sectors that align with the growth ambitions of Asian investors.

As London continues to be the number one European city for capital investment, it marks further untapped opportunities for Asian investors to look to the capital. In fact, real estate investment volumes in London are now stabilising, with JLL, reporting US$8 billion invested in the first half of 2024—a 13% increase over the same period in 2023. This stability underscores London’s enduring appeal and strategic potential for global investors, especially those from Asia looking to diversify and secure high-value assets in a mature, resilient market.

The Opportunity London team is now presenting the prospectus in Asia, with a primary focus on Japan, Singapore, Hong Kong, Mainland China, and Malaysia, as well as South Korea.

Jace Tyrrell, CEO of Opportunity London, said: “London is a global leader in innovation and sustainability, with a trillion-dollar European economy. We remain an attractive city for investors because of this. There has been a shift in the types of funds and opportunities that investors are looking for. The diverse boroughs in London are brimming with opportunity for the next decade, especially with the government’s support and the involvement of many key industry players.

“There has never been a better time for Asian investors to look to London for investment opportunities. Home to already a thriving Asian investment ecosystem, at Opportunity London we are striving to make the path for investors smoother and continue making the capital open for all.”

The Opportunity London Investment Prospectus will also be showcased at MIPIM Asia 2024.