Mayor's View: Why I'm doing fewer things well
As Mayor, I know that to make a difference, people in Peterborough want to see progress they can recognise, writes Combined Authority Mayor Paul Bristow.
Not just in strategy documents and visions, but on their high streets, and in their communities. In the past, Combined Authority funding was often spread across dozens of smaller schemes. Many were worthy and well-intentioned, but too often the impact was diluted. That is why I am changing course. My new approach is unapologetically ambitious with fewer projects, but bigger ones. It is investment that can genuinely move the dial on growth, jobs, and the quality of life for residents.
When I was growing up in Peterborough, the city had everything I needed; education, jobs, and a great social scene. But now, years of underinvestment is showing. As Mayor I am championing big projects for Peterborough, including a new community stadium and the continued regeneration of key city centre sites such as Peterborough Station Quarter. They big schemes, which aim to draw in private investment, creating construction jobs in the short term and permanent employment in the long term. They generate footfall for local businesses and create pride for residents.
Take the new bus depot for example – exactly the kind of bigger, focused investment we need and which will support my plan for a franchised bus system. The current depot is held back by its location, size and limiting our ability to improve services or expand the fleet. The new depot will allow us to help future proof our bus network to enable people to move easily, affordably, and faster. The aim is for a land purchase agreement to be put before the Combined Authority Board this month. But crucial to really getting things moving is the creation of a new Mayoral Development Corporation. Development Corporations have transformed the city before, with the 1968–1998 body driving major expansion. Peterborough needs the tools to get things done, joining up land, infrastructure and investment to unlock sites.
The new community stadium for Peterborough is another example of the scale of ambition we need. More than a sports ground, it would double as a concert and events venue, revitalising the Embankment and creating a year-round destination for residents and visitors. It would harness Peterborough’s unique location just 40 minutes from London by train, to attract national events, and new spending into the local economy, driving jobs, footfall and renewed confidence in the city.
I worked hard as MP to secure funding for ARU Peterborough, helping local people get the education they need to get high quality jobs. It was a great example of how focusing on a large project has made a real difference. Crucially, residents will see and feel the difference. A revitalised city quarter. A landmark venue drawing visitors and activity. New employment opportunities close to home. They show what devolution can achieve when we concentrate our investment on fewer, bigger projects. We are building confidence. We are creating jobs. And we are proving that strong, strategic mayoral leadership can make a real difference to the lives of people across Peterborough.
That is what making the Mayor matter truly means.