We are focusing on the prestigious array of development projects that we will see start to come to fruition over the next few years.

From the retail-led North Westgate development through to the creation of a university, changes are being put in place that should really put Peterborough on the map.

Change is vital to the city's future prosperity. At the moment, the city has an almost bland quality. It is a pleasant place to be, but you are not likely to be trampled in the rush to be here.

Future Peterborough:

• Blueprints are becoming a reality in city.


• 24-hour green city: On the brink of a huge opportunity.


• Green credentials are a unique strength for city.


• Green Developments.


• Public's opinion holds key to planning.


• Homes, jobs and education.


• Meet the Opportunity Peterborough team.

Read the 12 page supplement as it appeared in the ET, 22nd April 2008: Building Peterborough's Future as an e-mag.

Many chief executives have spoken of their frustration at not being able to attract high-calibre young people to Peterborough. The heart of the problem is the lack of a quality nightlife that really buzzes. Constructing residential properties in the centre and creating a vibrant night-time economy should go some way to meet that need – all supported with the development of a university.

The city's aspiration to be the UK's environment capital will be considerably enhanced by the construction of the eco-estate on the South Bank and the development of the environment business hub, the Green Quarter, which will also help attract and generate high-class, high- salary-paying companies.

But these are just parts of a much bigger and grander vision for Peterborough, which will bring a shake-up of the built environment and a perceptible change in the feeling of the city as a place of innovation, enterprise, quality and quite simply... the place to be.

Some business people are, to say the least, wary of the aspirations voiced by some of Peterborough's movers and shakers. But nothing will change without the ambition to make it happen, and comparison with others cities suggests, this time, Peterborough will succeed in transforming itself.