Mayor's View: Gratitude and growth: a Mayor’s reflections
As we near Christmas and the end of year, I want to take a moment to reflect on positive things that happened in Peterborough in 2025 and thank those who have made our city the place it is, writes Combined Authority Mayor Paul Bristow.
First off, I am immensely grateful for the support Peterborough gave me at the Mayoral election in May. It was humbling to win so convincingly in the city, and I promise not to let you down.
We are doubled down on addressing the skills gap in Peterborough, taken steps to improve the city’s transport, won funding from the Government to boost our local economy and set out a clear plan for growth with the launch of my Local Growth Plan (LGP).
In the time I’ve spent campaigning and speaking to local people, I’ve heard loud and clear the concerns of residents and their hopes for the future of Peterborough. There is still some way to go but we’ve achieved a huge amount this year and really kickstarted my plan to getting Peterborough moving.
Work has started delivering the Peterborough Station Quarter – a project that’s being delivered by the Combined Authority in partnership with Peterborough City Council and will transform rail travel for commuters and visitors, improving journeys into the city centre. In partnership with the Peterborough United Foundation, the Combined Authority officially opened the Youth Employment Hub at Peterborough United’s stadium. Funded through the Youth Trailblazer Fund, the hub will give our young people better access to support getting into education, training and work.
I also led the charge on securing funding for Peterborough Cathedral. The Combined Authority approved almost £300K of funding to upgrade the outdated lighting systems in the Cathedral was granted, protecting this iconic piece of heritage and the future of Peterborough’s tourism. These are just a few of the projects making a difference.
I recently wrote about the importance of supporting local businesses during the festive season, but this is something I hope we can do all year round. We’re fortunate enough to have many good places to shop, eat and drink and I want to make sure it stays this way. Without local businesses, there is no City centre. Which is why I will continue to work on getting free parking in Peterborough next year. Free parking will make our town centre more accessible and more attractive to locals and visitors – increasing footfall and keeping local businesses open.
There is more to do and my heartfelt love for Peterborough does not blind me to its challenges. We need to crack down on anti-social behaviour, clean our streets and regenerate our City Centre.
Over the past few weeks, it’s been fantastic to see the city light up for Christmas. From the city centre Christmas light switch on, to festive mince pies at Lavendar House on Broadway and Christmas services at churches across Peterborough, it’s been a month full of festivities.
One thing that always stands out to me during these events, is the incredible community spirit we have right here in Peterborough. I want to take a moment to thank those that champion this spirit every day. The volunteers, charities and organisations that support our city’s most vulnerable – your kindness and generosity is inspiring. To our schools, healthcare workers and emergency services, thank you for nurturing the next generation and protecting our community.
As we head into 2026, there is lots to be excited about. With our Growth Plan officially launched, and my regeneration plan coming soon, the work continues.