Opinion: ‘With success comes challenges for Peterborough’

One of my proudest achievements as a councillor is the work we have done over the past decade to enhance our historic city centre.

When I look around Peterborough now, I see a thriving modern city where people want to live, work and visit.

But with success comes challenges.

Our population is rapidly rising, so we need to continue to develop and regenerate the city, so it can be an attractive place for future generations.

Regular readers will be aware that in spite of the disruption from Covid-19, the city is pressing ahead with ambitious plans.

Last week it was announced that we’ve begun acquiring land at North Westgate, kick-starting exciting plans to revamp the area and create hundreds of jobs, and just a few weeks ago we saw the planning application submitted for our new university which is just two years off opening.

We’ve plans in place for the Station Quarter to reinvigorate the gateway to the city, we’re in discussions with the owners of the Rivergate shopping arcade about new apartments and a food and retail offering and there’s also the £90 million vision for Northminster to create a residential-led, mixed-use scheme with public realm enhancement.

We’re working with Peterborough United Football Club on plans for a new £50 million, 20,000 capacity-stadium on the Embankment and Fletton Quays continues to move at pace with work recently getting underway on the new Hilton Hotel and expected soon are spades in the ground on a Government Hub.

To help promote our extensive regeneration plans, our partners Opportunity Peterborough are holding an online conference on October 9. We’re inviting local investors, developers, businesses and stakeholders to learn about our plans and how they can get involved.

Delegates will hear directly about the plans with public sector backing for the city’s ambitions from the Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Combined Authority Mayor, James Palmer, and MP for Peterborough, Paul Bristow.

Our vision for the heart of the city is truly transformative and as I say so often Peterborough’s time really is now, there is so much to be excited about.

It promises to be an exciting event, so if you haven’t already registered and would like to attend, please email [email protected].

One of the many perks of living in Peterborough is our award-winning parks and open spaces. So I was delighted to hear this week that a government grant of £1million has been announced to help enhance 14 of our parks and open spaces.

The money is the first instalment of the Government’s Towns Fund – a decision on the remaining £25million that Peterborough has bid for is expected later this month.

It will be invested in improvements, such as new play equipment, bins, benches, outdoor gyms, landscaping and LED lighting on footpaths.

The following parks and open spaces in the city have been identified for these enhancements: Stanley Recreation Ground, Bretton Park, Fulbridge Road, Hodgson Avenue, Itter Park, Vermont Grove, Welland Recreation Ground, Baker Park, Parnwell, Wistow, Longthorpe Memorial, Lyvelly Gardens, Wesleyan Road and Bishop Road.

This is a really welcome boost and I’m looking forward to seeing the improvements.

In the past week Peterborough has been taken off the Government’s Watch List for its rates of coronavirus.

Our communities have once again stepped up this year and supported us in sharing messages about the need to act responsibly to limit the spread of the virus. I’m sure this is one reason why Peterborough has avoided a local lockdown like other areas of the country. Thank you for all that you have done to keep yourself and others safe and for the sacrifices you have made.

What’s important now is that we are careful not to throw away all our good work. If people stop following the guidance, our rates will rise and we risk putting our loved ones at risk and a local 
lockdown which would be 
damaging for our local economy.

Cases of the virus are increasing nationally at an alarming rate and we are aware that the virus could be much more prevalent in our city than the latest data suggests.

So please, continue to follow the advice. Remember that the more households you mix with on a regular basis, the greater your chance of catching the virus. If you have symptoms, please self-isolate along with everyone you live with and book a test.

The city and the country are at a crucial point – please do your bit.

And finally, I’d like to mention a celebration event held last week to thank hundreds of individuals and groups in Peterborough who have given their time to support those in need.

When the pandemic hit we set up a dedicated helpline and support hub which has worked with a huge number of volunteers and partners to make sure people who needed help and support got it - things like hot meals, food parcels and medication deliveries.

What they’ve all done to support our vulnerable residents has been truly amazing.

You can watch a montage of clips from the hub team and volunteers in two videos on the council’s YouTube channel.

To contact the hub visit www.peterborough.gov.uk or call 01733 747474.

You can rest assured we’ll continue to work hard to keep you safe and to keep the city moving forward.