Smarter than Dubai, smarter than Moscow

Peterborough wins Smart City of the Year 2015 award

PETERBOROUGH has been named Smart City of the Year 2015 at an awards ceremony in Barcelona this week.

The World Smart City Congress is the key annual event for smart cities and the awards were presented on 18 November. The Barcelona-based congress worked with seven international experts to evaluate 265 entries from 52 countries.

Shortlisted cities in the Smart City of the Year 2015 included Moscow and Dubai, but judges were impressed with Peterborough’s commitment to becoming the UK’s first circular city (efficiently managing the numerous flows of resources coming in and out of its geographical boundaries) and its environment capital vision. Peterborough’s collaborative approach to citizen involvement also convinced the awards jury that Peterborough should win the award.

Delivered by economic development company Opportunity Peterborough and Peterborough City Council, the Peterborough DNA Smart City programme focuses on growth, innovation, skills and sustainability with the goal of making Peterborough a better place to invest, work and live. A short film that promotes Peterborough’s investment, working and living potential was made by NorthLight Media in 2013.

Steve Bowyer, chief executive of Opportunity Peterborough and director of the Peterborough DNA programme, said, “This award puts Peterborough well and truly on the international stage and positions us as a thought leader in smart and future city thinking. This is a huge tribute to all the people involved in the project and to the businesses and citizens of Peterborough.”

Councillor John Holdich, leader of Peterborough City Council, said, “This is a fantastic achievement for everyone involved and for the city of Peterborough.

“The city is full of innovative SMEs and the Peterborough DNA Smart City programme supports and encourages them to work together to take advantage of new technologies and new thinking to drive growth, sustainability and prosperity.”