They share a passion for the region and the opportunities the combined authority presents. They talked about having a coherent message and an ambitious plan for the region and they discussed the practical application of decarbonising the area and providing access to energy to facilitate development and investment.
With garden villages planned for the region at Biggleswade and the Sibson Garden Community, Rolton are keen to support the development. But how will they deliver on decarbonisation and development at the same time? Peter outlined the “Rolton Behind the Meter” approach and having a strategic approach to energy delivery. Rolton’s work at Heyford Park, Oxfordshire a self-contained development of 9,000 homes provides with a net zero approach to energy provides a good case study.
Commenting on the visit Mayor Bristow was impressed by the portfolio of experience Rolton brought to the table and said “I want them to be central to my infrastructure plans for Peterborough and beyond”
There is nothing more front of mind than AI and data. Mayor Bristow has AI and Life Sciences as key priorities in his region. The tech and innovation credentials and requirements of the combined authority area mean that it has a unique opportunity in the UK. If we want major inward investment and jobs, we need connectivity and capacity. Peter Rolton facilitated the £10bn investment in the AI Cambois project with Blackstone and QTS in Northumbria and would like to develop projects for his home region too. Prior to the publication of the governments Industrial Strategy 2035 Rolton carried our roundtable consultations and published its own white paper Powering the 2035 industrial and data driven revolution, it’s this kind of forward thinking that Rolton are keen to bring to the region.
Peterborough is a unique location connecting the Innovation Corridor from London with excellent connectivity and liveability for the citizens. Mayor Bristow has ambitious plans for the city centre regeneration and the wider area and Rolton share his passion for the city. From plans for a major station upgrade to the development of a major sports quarter and preservation of the heritage it’s an exciting future for the city.
Peter Rolton said “I welcome the straightforward approach of Paul Bristow to the Mayoral role of the Combined Authority. We don’t need another initiative; we just need a coherent message and action for the region. I was delighted to host Paul and to talk about the future opportunities for our region and I am keen to support his plans going forward.”.
Working with Dorchester Living, Rolton has developed an ambitious new energy strategy that combines digital innovation, embedded renewable energy, and a clear trajectory towards net zero for their Heyford Park development in Oxfordshire.
This year Centreco, a UK leading commercial solar energy system design, installation and management organisation are exhibiting and sponsoring for the first time and have invited Rolton to partner in providing their thinking and content for two sessions focused on energy and technology, bringing thinking around this topic to the show.
IMPACT Magazine recently featured Rolton Chair, Peter Rolton and our white paper “Powering the 2035 Industrial and Data-Driven Revolution” which calls for the energy and real estate worlds to coalesce to attract the investment for infrastructure the UK needs.