Complaints about vacant units, the number of cafes and the lack of shops are regular issues raised in the Peterborough Telegraph comments section.
With the recent loss of burger bar Grizzlers, and craft ale bar The Stoneworks – as well as the planned new Costa Coffee branch – The Peterborough Telegraph went into the city centre to see what the make up of shops and businesses in Peterborough was.
A recent survey from The Centre for Cities showed the cities in the UK with the highest high street vacancy rate – with Peterborough having the 10th fewest empty units in the UK, with a rate of 10.3 per cent.
We started at Tesco on Broadway (and The Collage Arms on the other side) and walked along Long Causeway and Bridge Street to the Bourges Boulevard crossing.
We also included businesses and units in Cowgate, St John’s Square and Cathedral Square.
Some businesses fell into two categories – but they are only included once in the list.
We also did not count market stalls.
5. Vacant Units
While there are plans for some of the units, there were 14 vacant units - including the Grizzlers and Stoneworks units, and, of course, TK Maxx Photo: PT
6. 'Other'
A number of units and buildings did not fit into any other category neatly - these include The Town Hall, The Job Centre, employment agencies, a pool hall and even St John's Church. There were 14 such buildings in the city centre Photo: PT
7. Finance
Finance includes banks, building societies and even insurance. There were 12 such units Photo: PT
8. Gambling
Gambling units included casinos and betting shops. There were 10 such outlets Photo: PT