Once again, both Cambridge and Peterborough feature in the top five fastest growing cities by population, with Peterborough in 2nd place and Cambridge coming in 4th.
The figures show that since 2003, Peterborough’s population has grown by 15.2%, with an annual increase of 1.6%.
It is not just the population that has been growing. The reports shows strong jobs growth and low unemployment in both Cambridge and Peterborough. (Image removed)
Cambridge has the second highest employment rate in the UK and the lowest claimant count in the country overall. Between 2004 and 2013, Cambridge saw a 15.7% increase in the number of jobs created – the fourth highest in the country.
When it comes to public sector jobs, Peterborough is in the top ten (eighth) cities in the UK to have the highest proportion of public sector jobs, showing the strength of the private sector jobs market in the city.
Neil Darwin, Chief Executive of the Greater Cambridge Greater Peterborough LEP, said: “The Cities Outlook 2015 report firmly demonstrates the strengthens of both our core cities – Cambridge and Peterborough. Strong population and jobs growth proves that our area’s commitment to building new homes, putting in place the right infrastructure and helping local people to gain the right skills is working. However, more investment into key infrastructure projects is required to ensure that this positive growth continues in the future.”
When it comes to innovation, Cambridge continues to lead the field in the UK with more patents granted per 100,000 people in Cambridge than in the next six highest cities combined. However, Peterborough also appears in the top ten (sixth) and alongside Coventry has a large share of patents registered by the automotive industry.
See also: Cambridge leader comments on Centre for Cities’ annual review of UK cities