Peterborough’s new City Centre Growth Board has met for the first time, bringing together the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority, Peterborough City Council and Homes England with a clear task: turn the city’s growth ambitions into action.

The board’s aim is to try and make visible, positive change in the city centre, creating jobs and improving housing.

At its first meeting, the Growth Board discussed how to turn the visioning work with the public, partners and stakeholders into a delivery plan to stimulate investment and regeneration.

The Board will expand over time to bring in other local and national organisations able to contribute expertise, investment and influence.

John Whetstone from Homes England, Councillor Shabina Qayyum, Mayor Paul Bristow, Andrew Pakes MP and Judith Barker, Combined Authority Executive Director for Place and Economy. Picture: Combined Authority.

placeholder image — John Whetstone from Homes England, Councillor Shabina Qayyum, Mayor Paul Bristow, Andrew Pakes MP and Judith Barker, Combined Authority Executive Director for Place and Economy. Picture: Combined Authority.

The Board will also continue to explore the Mayor’s vision for a Mayoral Development Corporation and the potential evolution of the Growth Board to support Peterborough’s wider regeneration ambitions.

Councillor Shabina Qayyum, co-chair of the Growth Board and leader of Peterborough City Council, said: “I’m delighted that the first meeting of the Growth Board has happened, bringing together key partners, who have an investment in the city’s future, around one table with a common purpose to really drive forward the regeneration of our city at pace. It marks a real gear change for us – and builds upon the exciting work that has already started in the city including redeveloping the Station Quarter.

 “We will work together to ensure we are laser focussed on how to deliver our plans and build the momentum our city needs.

 “The work of the Board may feel very strategic, but its actions will be felt across the city for many generations and will benefit the city by providing better homes, more wealth and a city that is designed with the long-term prosperity of its residents firmly in mind.”

Paul Bristow co-chair of the Growth Board and Mayor of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, said: “Speeding up Peterborough’s regeneration has been a priority since I became Mayor. The Growth Board reflects a shared commitment across all levels to get the city’s economy moving, with a clear focus on delivering results rather than simply setting out ambitions.

“We’ll be looking at practical ways to unlock development and attract investment, including the potential for a Mayoral Development Corporation to bring land together and help accelerate regeneration."

Julia Krause, Regional Assistant Director - East, Homes England said: “Peterborough has a compelling opportunity to drive growth, attract investment and deliver regeneration that benefits local communities. Through the City Centre Growth Board, partners are demonstrating a shared commitment to turn ambition into delivery.”

Andrew Pakes MP for Peterborough, said: "Peterborough is one of the fastest-growing cities in the country, but for too long residents have heard about its potential without seeing enough change in their own city centre.

"The Government is backing Peterborough, with funding for the Station Quarter and the new Sports Quarter, and by handing more powers back to the city and the Mayor.

"Having the Government, the council and the Combined Authority around one table, working towards a shared plan. That is how we will deliver the investment, good jobs and new homes our city deserves. I want people to walk through the city centre in the next few years and see the difference for themselves.”