The future of Peterborough’s iconic East of England Showground could see a significant transformation as plans for the construction of 1,500 homes are now under consideration. Located on the 165-acre site at Oundle Road, Alwalton, the multi-million-pound development proposal is currently awaiting public feedback before a decision is made by the Peterborough City Council.

Introduced by AEPG (Asset Earning Power Group) in 2021, the ambitious project has been segmented into two primary planning applications. The first outlines the potential for up to 850 homes, a vast care village spanning 3.27 hectares, and an array of mixed-use leisure amenities, including a 250-bed hotel, retail outlets, and a primary school. With an estimated cost of around £50 million for the care village alone, the development could lead to the creation of about 500 jobs.

The second application proposes an additional 650 homes, seamlessly integrating with the existing infrastructure. If both applications gain approval, the entire development could take up to a decade to complete.

Public consultations have played a pivotal role, ensuring community voices are heard and integrated into the design and planning phases. Initial engagement began in 2019, with feedback guiding the project’s direction.

Interestingly, while the development promises a new chapter for the Showground, there’s been no explicit mention of a development partner in the ongoing discussions, leaving some details still in the shadows.

The East of England Showground, a Peterborough landmark since 1966, has seen a decline in its traditional agricultural shows since 2012. These new plans signal a potential shift in its role and significance in the community.