“we can create new jobs and opportunity, a revitalised city centre and a stronger local economy”

As Mayor of the Combined Authority, it's my job to help bring in the investment and regeneration Peterborough deserves as one of the country’s fastest-growing cities. So, when I had the chance to show the Prime Minister’s new ‘Number 10 North’ unit our city, I was pleased to take it, writes Paul Bristow.

Number 10 North was set up to drive economic growth in our cities and regions, and to give more powers to Mayors to make it happen.

Last week, I welcomed the Prime Minister’s Deputy Chief of Staff and members of her team from Number 10 North to our city. It gave me the opportunity to showcase the huge potential of Peterborough, and why investing here makes sense for Government.

The visit included a tour of ARU Peterborough, which is a great example of how devolution has made a difference already. My Mayoral Authority helped to fund and build this fantastic campus. Our visitors were impressed by its success and wanted to understand how devolution could help us do more.

As Mayor, I have supported ARU Peterborough, but my commitment to the university goes back to my time as Peterborough’s MP. Around 40 per cent of students have said they would not have gone to university if ARU Peterborough did not exist, and more than half of its undergraduate students come from the Peterborough postcode areas.

Peterborough Station Quarter – the revamp of our station and the route into the city – is another example of the Combined Authority securing funding to support regeneration. But clearly, it is far from ‘job done’ in our city.

As well as showing the investment and innovation already underway, I was also frank about the barriers holding back this city, and that includes better infrastructure. Last week, for example, we heard that the Government was removing an upgrade of the A1139 from its list of priority road schemes. If Government wants the growth it says it does, it should stop cancelling needed upgrades like this. I’m not giving up on this road however, and we’ll continue to make the case.

On the bigger picture of Peterborough’s future, things continue to move forward. Alongside this visit, we also held the first Peterborough Growth Board meeting, this new body brings together my Mayoral Authority, Peterborough City Council and Homes England to coordinate on a shared plan for the city. It's clear task is to turn the city’s growth ambitions into action. The board is focused on unlocking opportunities for new homes, jobs and businesses, while improving the city centre. A goal we all agree is worth working towards.

The board brings together partners who want to strengthen Peterborough’s offer to investors and developers. Over time, we also want to expand its membership to include other local and national organisations that can contribute expertise, investment and influence. That is why the visit from No.10 North came at such an important time.

Accelerating Peterborough’s regeneration has been a priority since I became Mayor. Working with partners and the Government, we can create new jobs and opportunity, a revitalised city centre and a stronger local economy. Now let's make it happen.