Peterborough Garden Park

300 new jobs will be created when Peterborough Garden Park opens in Eye in February.

The £20 million pound development includes 17 shops, cafes and a playground as well as a large garden centre.

Chairman Gordon Edington said: “Even before its official launch, the development of Peterborough Garden Park has boosted the local economy by creating employment opportunities.

“Approximately 100 people were involved in its construction and about 300 people will be employed when the Park is fully operational."

John Bridge, Chairman of Peterborough's Chamber of Commerce, said it is an encouraging sign for the city's economy:

"This is a step which shows the confidence businesses have in investing in Peterborough, and in the development of the economy in Peterborough. The creation of jobs is obviously something which will help the city get through its current economic difficulties...

"I think it will also be a way of showing other companies that this is the right place to invest, which will in turn create more jobs for the future."

The Garden Park, just off the Eye roundabout, will include a 50,000 sq ft Van Hage garden centre, as well as Andronicas World of Coffee, Cotswold Outdoor, Cotton Traders, Hawkins Bazaar, Hobbycraft, Le Creuse, Maidenhead Aquatics, Past Times, PBC Books and Pets Corner.

It is due to open on February 5.