Watch as National Gas' regional boss announces an £870 million jobs-creating investment in Peterborough and the eastern region
A multi-million pound investment in Peterborough by National Gas creating hundreds of jobs has been welcomed by city political chiefs.
Energy titan National Gas has vowed to invest £870 million in the East of England over the next five years upgrading its infrastructure across the region as well as opening a new regional headquarters in the business heart of Peterborough.
Nick Sides, National Gas’s Regional Director for the East Region said the new regional headquarters at Fleet House on Cygnet Road, in Hampton, would create many of the new jobs while the investment would also attract a range of apprentices into the company.
At an official investment announcement at the Peterborough Compressor Station near Lincoln Road, Mr Sides said: “I am delighted today to announce an £870 million investment in gas infrastructure across the east region.
"A lot of that will be in Peterborough.
“So we are building a new compressor which means jobs, investment in people, apprentices and graduates.
"We’ve also opened a new regional headquarters just 10 minutes from this compressor station and again we are recruiting for people to work in that office.
"This is great news for Peterborough, great news for jobs and great news for young people who want to join us.
He added: “National Gas is placing our operational presence right where it matters most - within the communities we serve.
"Peterborough’s compressors are the powerhouse of Britain’s gas network, and establishing our regional headquarters here signals our commitment to driving growth across the East of England.
“Our local-first approach will not only deliver greater efficiency in maintaining critical assets but also forge strong partnerships with local businesses and contractors in new infrastructure projects.
"We’re creating jobs, boosting supply chains, and securing Britain’s energy for generations to come."
Also at the announcement was Minister for Industry Chris McDonald who said: “Upgrading our energy infrastructure is essential to continue powering Britain as we transition to homegrown, clean energy.
“This investment from National Gas will create good jobs, support local businesses and drive growth for communities in the East of England, and across the UK, while boosting our energy security.”
Peterborough MP Andrew Pakes said: “In addition to major funding announced last year, this further £870 million investment from National Gas will create hundreds of next generation clean energy jobs right here in our region.
"This significant investment will firmly position Peterborough as the engine behind the Government’s mission to make Britain a Clean Energy Superpower.
"It will open up opportunities through apprenticeships, graduate schemes, and skilled employment with National Gas and many other businesses across the local economy.”
North West Cambridgeshire MP Sam Carling said: “I warmly welcome the decision by National Gas to choose Peterborough as the home of its East Region operations.
"By investing in the local supply chain, this funding will accelerate growth, create jobs, and strengthen Britain’s energy security while safeguarding our industrial competitiveness.”
Councillor Shabina Qayyum, leader of Peterborough City Council, said: “I am absolutely delighted with the news that National Gas has chosen Peterborough to be the home of its East Region operations.
“This positive news follows big funding being secured for the city and demonstrates that major companies see Peterborough as a city on the up and a place where they can thrive and achieve further growth.
“I also welcome the fantastic opportunities that this move will bring, particularly with the prospect of hundreds of new jobs being created.
"Again this demonstrates our city’s enhanced standing in the eyes of big employers.
She said: "They recognise we have the infrastructure in place and are going to get bigger and better in years to come.”
Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority Mayor Paul Bristow said: “It’s great to see National Gas backing Peterborough.
"Alongside investment for the whole region, their decision to choose Peterborough as a regional headquarters is a big endorsement.
“We’ve got advanced manufacturing, we’ve got freight and now we’ve got gas.
“The energy sector is a real opportunity for the city, with all the skills and jobs that go with it.
“And infrastructure investment is exactly what we need to make Peterborough and Cambridgeshire the fastest growing region outside London.”