End of an era as Queensgate Roundabout subways to close in just a few days time after 50 years - before being sealed shut with concrete
Locals just have a few days left to walk through the subways one more time
The two subways under Peterborough’s Queensgate Roundabout are set to close in under a week’s time, bringing an end to their decades-long use as a key city centre walkway.
On Monday, July 6, the two subways will be closed as Phase 1 of Peterborough’s ambitious £65 million Station Quarter regeneration project gets underway.
The underpass, which connects Peterborough Railway Station with Cowgate, will then be filled with more than 1,000 tonnes of concrete to allow for the construction of a new street-level walkway.
The subways date back to the late 1970s as part of preparatory infrastructure works for the then-new Queensgate Shopping Centre.
Once the subways have been closed, signed diversion routes will be in place for pedestrians.
Aimed at improving connectivity between the railway station and city centre, the City Link project has an estimated completion date of summer 2027.
Queensgate roundabout will remain open, although lane restrictions will be in place for the next 10 months.
Speaking on Peterborough City Council’s ‘Ask the Cabinet’ podcast, the Cabinet Member for Finance, Councillor Mohammed Jamil explained why the subways need to be filled in.
He said: “When the Development Corporation had the idea all those years ago it was good – subways were the way to go.
“Society has moved on. People don’t feel safe anymore.
“I’m glad that we are getting rid of them and everything is going to be at road level.”