Eateries urged to move outdoors as Peterborough puts all-weather dining on top of the menu

Council chiefs want the city’s eateries, which will struggle for space under new social distancing rules, to move tables, chairs, parasols and any other necessary furnishings out into the open.

The ‘get outdoors’ appeal has come from city centre boss Councillor Marco Cereste who is driving the local authority’s new bid to create an all-weather dining culture in Peterborough.

And the invitation has also been extended to all businesses, market traders and buskers and entertainers to help liven up the streets.

A programme of upgrades has been unveiled with the council looking to repair and replace lighting and to install new floral baskets and planters throughout the centre.

While the fountains will be turned off during the day, the water and the decorative lighting will be switched back on during the evenings.

There also plans to make more use of the Guildhall area.

It is expected the investment to fund the street dining project will come from central sources.

Cllr Cereste, who is the council’s cabinet member in charge of street scene and environment, said: “We want to bring the city centre back to life again.

“I encourage restaurants and bars to come out onto the pavements to help replace the seating that will be lost indoors. They should bring out tables and chairs and put up parasols and other coverings. Eco-friendly lights and heating could be used. In Sweden, some restaurants provide blankets to keep customers warm.

“We want businesses to be using the pavements in Cathedral Square, Bridge Street, Long Causeway and Cowgate.

We will run the fountains in the evenings to help create a new ambience in the centre. ”

“This will all be free of charge to businesses for 12 months.

He added: “We will encourage and support any business that wants to have more space by moving outside.

“This is about getting more people back into the city centre and to feel confident that they are going to be safe.

“We want to create a vibrant environment for people to come and enjoy.”

However, business will still need to get approval from the council before starting to trade outside and should apply to the council’s city centre manager, Justin Beaumont.

Cllr Cereste said: “Businesses should come forward and if the idea looks good we’ll be up for it. We’ll be happy to try and accommodate their needs. I don’t think we’ll see any changes for two or three weeks.

“The council has a positive attitude and wants local businesses to be successful.

“And we want to show that Peterborough is open for business.”