New £23m government funding a “fresh start for Peterborough”

Paul Bristow opened Thursday’s House of Commons debate on the Towns Fund with a speech praising the investment from the Government.

The money is set to deliver improvements in Peterborough including: a new bridge over the River Nene at the Embankment, a new library and culture hub to replace TK Maxx in Bridge Street (called The Vine), a Bronze Age themed extension to the museum, a new activity centre at Ferry Meadows and the opening up of the Station Quarter.

Overall, 101 places are set to benefit from the £3.6 billion investment which Mr Bristow believes “has the potential to change lives”.

Addressing the Commons, the Conservative MP for Peterborough said: “It’s a fresh start for Peterborough, building on our natural advantages.

“We are 40 minutes from London, on the main rail and road arteries - have a history of manufacturing, engineering and technology and have a hard-working, skilful population.

“This is the shot in the arm we need to unleash our potential.”

He added: “Covid-19 is the biggest challenge that this country has faced since World War Two. Some may have forgiven the Government to pause the initiative while we focus on Covid-19.

“Rather than doing this they have powered ahead, giving hope and optimism to places like Peterborough, helping communities to build back better as we overcome the pandemic.

“We are making the decisions now that will guarantee wealth, health and happiness in the future.

“I am excited to see us unleash our potential, but I am just as excited about the country’s potential as we level up and build back better from this pandemic.”

The full debate can be read at: https://hansard.parliament.uk/commons/2021-02-04/debates/DDE51184-C555-4F5B-8EB6-C5F0459ACA05/TownsFund.