More Peterborough regeneration on the way

Last week plans for the new university were unveiled to the public at the cathedral and just before that we announced that investors are being sought for a revamp of the train station and surrounding land to create a new gateway into the city centre.

This week we announced plans to breathe new life into the Northminster area which includes the City Market, the multi-storey car park which is currently being demolished, and Laxton Square.

Northminster is an important part of our city centre but it doesn’t receive the investment and number of visitors it should do currently. Many of the buildings were constructed during the 1970s and are showing their age and a number of restaurant and leisure related businesses have closed down.

We know that without regeneration and investment the area will not improve and we have to do something about it.

We don’t have the money to redevelop the site ourselves, so we’re proposing to transfer it to the Peterborough Investment Partnership (PIP).

The council set up the PIP in 2015 and it has led the transformation of Fletton Quays from a derelict, brownfield site to a scheme which includes office space, apartments and a car park, with a Hilton hotel and a gin and whiskey distillery visitor attraction on its way.

The PIP has done a fantastic job at Fletton Quays and the announcement of plans for a Government hub and the construction of a Hilton hotel are the most recent signs of its success.

Initially it would prepare a concept scheme for the site with a view to securing outline planning approval and attracting private sector development interest and investment.

I know that some readers will be concerned about what this means for our market.

Naturally, the market traders would need to vacate the existing site whilst any redevelopment was taking place, but during this time we would look to provide a market from another location.

Going forward, there could be a market on the Northminster site or elsewhere but with plans being at a very early stage it is too soon to speculate.

The existing market is 57 years old and in need of modernisation or replacement. This investment in Northminster will, one way or another, allow us to achieve that.

This is an exciting time for Peterborough. Our city is thriving and we are ready to work with investors and our communities to drive forward the next stage in Peterborough’s growth.

The next four years will be crucial to delivering a Peterborough that’s an even better place to work, live and play for the next 50 to 100 years.

There are lots of services we provide which help so many people but often go unnoticed. One of those is our care and repair service.

I was talking to one of the team the other day and they told me that the service has helped more than 70,000 people in 15 years – a remarkable achievement.

Care and repair is the council’s in-house home improvement agency which helps vulnerable, older and disabled people to stay independent in their own home and keep warm and safe.

This can help to ease the pressure on social care and health services by reducing GP and hospital visits as well as lessening the need for long-term residential care which of course is better for the individual too.

The team aims to prevent falls, accidents and improve the home environment. Much of this work involves adapting people’s homes, for example installing grab rails, ramps, stair lifts and even building extensions. Staff also offer support for vulnerable householders to keep warm, safe and dry during the winter months by installing insulation, new boilers or central heating.

The team provides a fantastic service, evidenced by the many awards they have won in recent years.

To find out more about the service visit www.peterborough.gov.uk

I’d also like to pay tribute to the Aragon staff who braved storm Ciara and responded to almost 50 incidents on Sunday. Whilst the general public was advised to stay safe and not travel unless essential, Aragon staff were out clearing debris and moving tree branches blocking highways.

Just like our gritting team, they keep this city running at times of extreme weather conditions.

l Finally, if you have children or grandchildren on their half term holidays next week, there are lots of events happening across the city. You can find out more by visiting www.visitpeterborough.com

There’s a touring exhibition all about Nick Sharratt and his illustrations at Peterborough Museum and Queensgate is hosting a free intergalactic event.