Proposal to move Peterborough Market into former Beales store will not be explored

Peterborough Civic Society had called for a major repurposing of the vacant Westgate House on Park Road and Westgate with its vision including using the shell of the building for more than 100 market stalls, 20 street retail units and 30 ground floor units for either retail, food, leisure, training or offices.

Under its proposal, the upper level units would have provided space for more specialist services such as opticians or solicitors as well as more than 100 apartments.

The group said its ideas had received huge support and it wrote to Peterborough City Council cabinet members asking them to push forward with a feasibility study.

It said the cash-strapped council could seek funding for the study from the Towns Fund - a £25 million pot of money from the Government to push the city’s growth.

However, at a recent Towns Fund board meeting, which is formed of key city figures, this idea was ruled out.

Minutes from the July 27 meeting state: “It was acknowledged that a new market - perhaps with attractive offer of food and artisanal products and set in a heritage building - could enrich the city’s retail offer and develop as a genuine visitor attraction.

“However, following discussion the board voted unanimously that the inclusion for such a feasibility study into a new market on the Beales site should not form part

of the Investment Plan proposals, for various reasons.

“First and foremost, the site is privately owned and the owners are understood to be reviewing a range of options for securing the redevelopment of the site. Should the current owners wish to pursue its development as a market they should finance any necessary studies, as private developers generally do.”

The current market site at Northminster is to be redeveloped with the intention that it will have apartments, a new car park and a market hall.

While works take place existing market traders will be forced to re-locate.

Civic society member Kemal Mehmed said: “We’re disappointed at this very moment. We thought we stood a chance of getting action from the board.

“The board felt like it was a good idea but that the owners of the building should commission a feasibility study and include it in their scheme.

“There should be a public debate on the future of the market as it can’t stay on the existing site while it’s redeveloped.”