‘Roaring Twenties’ in Peterborough once coronavirus restrictions ease

The man responsible for the city’s new Cultural Strategy believes pent-up demand among residents will be unleashed post-pandemic, something he is keen to make the most of.

Cllr Steve Allen, cabinet member for housing, culture and recreation at Peterborough City Council, spoke to the Peterborough Telegraph about a new Culture Strategy which is being introduced this year.

The vision is for Peterborough to have a “transformed cultural scene” by 2030, with the city renowned for:

. The breadth and diversity of its cultural life

. Boundless creative energy and innovation supporting the city’s growth

. Its outward-looking and amazing range of cultural activities

. An astounding heritage accessible to everyone

. People loving the environment and embedding nature in their way of life.

If the wording sounds a bit hyperbolic, it is nothing new for the former DJ who does not lack ambition when he looks ahead to the future.

The strategy - which will be debated by groups this year before being finalised - includes one section entitled ‘pandemic’.

It states: “People want to come together now and take the chance for change.

“Will there be another Roaring Twenties? How does Peterborough take this chance?

“This time, can its leaders use that energy and demand to build cultural participation, grow audiences, encourage creative skills and give the place a better profile?”

Cllr Allen does not shy away from the phrase during the interview, telling the PT: “We need to come out of this with smile on our faces ready for the Roaring Twenties,” a nod to the decade of exuberance which was covered in The Great Gatbsy.

With hosting a post-Covid celebration in the city, holding more concerts on the Embankment and possibly establishing a jazz festival among the ideas, there is plenty of ambition for cultural growth despite the sector being decimated by the pandemic.

But the Conservative cabinet member insists any decisions will be taken collaboratively, with other organisations very much involved in the process.

“It’s absolutely the right time for a strategic rethink,” Cllr Allen said.

“As we emerge from the challenges of Covid there will be a reset of demands and aspirations which we will have to embrace for everyone to realise their potential.

“I’m looking forward asap to sitting round the table with the players and empowering people to join in the debate to get this city to provide a better cultural offering.

“Post-Covid everything will have changed. We will need to revitalise this city and use culture which will be the backbone of the revitalisation.

“Great ideas come out of cultural participation. There is so much talent in the city we need to tap in to.”
Crucial to the cultural growth is funding from the Government’s Towns Fund which will enable the council to convert the TK Maxx and former New Look buildings in Bridge Street into a cultural hub called The Vine.

The landmark building will also host a library, while it is hoped the BBC’s cultural archives could also be included, with talks said to be ongoing.

Other potential uses include spaces for local cultural organisations which is more important after funding for a new arts centre at Fletton Quays failed to materialise.

Cllr Allen said: “It needs to be a place to hang out. When you’re hanging out you’re forming ideas and tapping on people’s ideas and enthusiasm.

“With vision the possibilities are endless.”

The Towns Fund is also being used to bring the internationally recognised Must Farm boats near Whittlesey into Peterborough Museum to form part of a Bronze Age offering which will be tied in with Flag Fen and help to attract tourists to the city.

“We have to make sure we put Peterborough on the map and shout louder because we have fantastic things to offer. Hopefully when the strategy is in place we will push things with more gusto.”

With nearly £1 million set to be spent on developing a new café culture, there is plenty planned for the city centre, although Cllr Allen insists he alaso wants to make the most of Peterborough’s many different communities.

But to make a success of the strategy will require support from the likes of Arts Council England and Heritage England, as well as external funding.

One further idea being progressed is refreshing Peterborough’s interest in becoming the UK City of Culture, with a bid for the status in 2029 delayed due to the pandemic.

Cllr Allen added: “It’s something we have revitalised. I’ve asked for officers to look at past negotiations.

“All political parties must be behind it, as well as industry. We’ve got to make sure it’s a Peterborough aspiration rather than one element of the city’s political point of view.”