They illustrate how the Peterborough we know today has taken shape over recent decades.
Peterborough has changed a great deal over the decades and continues to change.
Do you think things have changed for the better? Are there any buildings in Peterborough’s past that hold a special meaning for you?
Do you remember moving into a newly constructed home in the Development Corporation years?
If you have any pictures of Peterborough people and places from the past and you’d like to share them with Looking Back readers, send them to [email protected]
1.
This view shows the Molins tobacco machinery factory in Peterb orough. When the firm moved to the city in 1973 it was a huge feather in the cap of the development corporation, creating hundreds of jobs. Quickly established as one of the city’s blue chip businesses it later moved to Bretton employing nearly 1,000 people at its peak, before closing in 1998. Photo: Midlands
2.
Here’s a fantastic aerial shot of Peterborough city centre taken in 1966. It was captured before Queensgate was built and the other noticeable difference is traffic through Long Causeway, Cathedral Square and Bridge Street. Photo: Midlands
3.
During the New Town years, Bretton was the first big township development in Peterborough with work starting in 1970. Our picture shows development underway with the Soke Parkway under construction. At the top left of the picture is the Bretton Centre with the new Sainsbury store as its centrepiece alongside other shops and The Cresset. Many new homes would follow. Photo: Midlands
4.
The previous picture showed the early development of Bretton during the New Town years. This picture, taken from a similar angle, shows how the development continued apace most noticeable are the scores of homes which had sprung up. Photo: Midlands