Preparation work has officially begun on one of Peterborough’s most eagerly anticipated regeneration projects — the new £8.3 million Cygnet Bridge across the River Nene.
The landmark pedestrian and cycle bridge will provide a direct and sustainable route linking Fletton Quays and communities south of the river with Peterborough city centre and the Embankment, helping transform how residents and visitors move around the city.
Initial works are now under way on site, with contractors establishing compounds, offices and welfare facilities ahead of the main phase of construction, which is expected to take around 12 months to complete.
Once finished, the striking new crossing will create a safer and more convenient route for pedestrians and cyclists travelling between the city’s growing riverside developments, businesses, leisure venues and educational facilities including ARU Peterborough’s university campus.
The bridge will also improve access to destinations on the North Embankment such as the Key Theatre and the proposed new leisure development, while easing pressure on busy road crossings nearby.
The major infrastructure scheme is being jointly funded by the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority, the Government’s Towns Fund programme and Peterborough City Council.
Construction is being delivered by M Group, the council’s highways partner, which recently completed the public realm improvements on Lincoln Road.
Councillor Angus Ellis, Peterborough City Council’s Cabinet Member for Transport, welcomed the start of work and said the project would play a significant role in shaping a more connected and walkable city.
He said: “I am absolutely delighted that preliminary construction on Cygnet Bridge is starting and look forward to seeing this exciting project progress.
“The bridge will play a key role in creating a more connected and walkable city, improving access across the Embankment.
“The compound and hoardings are going up this week and over time, residents and visitors will see more cranes on the skyline.
“The new bridge will create an important new sustainable link across the river linking the Fletton Quays site to the Embankment and we would like to thank residents and visitors in advance for their patience during the construction.”
Mayor of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Paul Bristow said the project represented another important step forward in Peterborough’s wider regeneration ambitions.
He said: “This is another step in the right direction for regenerating Peterborough.
“The city has been crying out for a walking and cycling bridge over the Nene to connect the Embankment and city centre with the south of the river, including the development around Fletton Quays.
“Peterborough’s growth depends on infrastructure like this. When we better connect places south of the river like Fletton Quays to the city centre, ARU Peterborough, and the Embankment, we create the conditions for businesses to invest and for people to live, work, and enjoy the city.”
The bridge has been designed to encourage more people to walk and cycle by offering an attractive alternative to busy traffic routes across the river. Project leaders say it will improve journey times, enhance the riverfront environment and support biodiversity through associated landscaping features.
The scheme also forms part of Peterborough’s wider ambition to create a greener and more liveable city while supporting economic growth and regeneration opportunities.
John Birkenhead, Business Director for M Group, said the company was proud to be helping deliver a project that would become an important new landmark for the city.
He said: “We are proud to have been chosen to deliver this iconic bridge for the people of Peterborough, providing a new route into the city from Fletton Quays and enabling new walking and cycling routes within Peterborough.”
Planning permission for the bridge was granted in December 2024 following a detailed design process and extensive public consultation. Feedback showed overwhelming public support for the project, with 79 per cent of respondents backing the bridge proposals and more than half saying it would encourage them to walk or cycle more often.
The name “Cygnet Bridge” was selected following a public vote in 2023.
Footway closures on the Embankment came into effect from Monday 18 May and will remain in place throughout construction, with signed diversions available for pedestrians.
Despite the building work, major city events including the Peterborough Beer Festival, Mart Fair and Great Eastern Run will continue as planned.
The finished bridge is expected to become a defining feature of Peterborough’s riverside landscape and a vital new connection for generations to come.
