The City Council, alongside project partners The Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority, London North Eastern Railway (LNER) and Network Rail, have been working together on developing the plans to revitalise the areas surrounding the railway station. The plans propose to enhance connectivity, accessibility and create a more welcoming and inviting environment for residents, businesses and visitors.
Feedback from the public engagement period last year (August-September 2024), provided key insights into helping develop detailed designs. Respondents were asked for their thoughts on the existing station and how they use it, as well as being asked what they’d like to see change.
There was widespread support for the project, with many respondents highlighting that the current pedestrian and cycle route into the city is flawed. People also prioritised accessibility in the new surroundings being developed and sustainability measures such as sustainable urban drainage and tree planting. Key features of the project include:
- Improved connectivity: develop new pedestrian and cyclist access from the existing station buildings towards the city with a more intuitive, accessible and clearer route
- Economic growth: future development plots will be unlocked as part of the project to attract businesses and create new employment opportunities, and provide new homes
- Community benefits: new public spaces, improved street design and green infrastructure will support biodiversity, reduce flood risks and provide pleasant recreational areas for all
Councillor Nick Thulbourn, Cabinet Member for Growth and Regeneration, said: “I’m delighted that we’ve submitted the Full Business Case. This milestone marks a significant step towards transforming the station area into a vibrant and more pleasant gateway into our city.
“Projects of this size don’t come around often and lots of hard work has gone into developing the detailed designs. There’s still much to do of course, but I’m excited to hopefully see spades in the ground later in the year for the city-link, as the first package of works.”
Dr Nik Johnson, Mayor of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, said: “We’re making real progress on this landmark project, creating a more welcoming station area for both residents and visitors while unlocking huge opportunities for jobs, homes, and economic growth.”
Colette Casey, Customer Experience Director at LNER, said: “We’re delighted to be working alongside partners on this project which will deliver improvements for station users. The submission of the Full Business Case is a hugely important step, and we can’t wait to see work get underway.”
Robin Dobson, Director at Network Rail Property, said: “A redeveloped Station Quarter for Peterborough will unlock opportunities for investment, homes, jobs and growth and deliver a landmark gateway to the city which will welcome residents and visitors alike. The submission of the Full Business Case is an important step in moving this partnership project forward and delivering transport-led regeneration for the people of East Anglia.”
The project has been allocated £47.8 million from Government to improve the station and surrounding areas.
The Full Business Case submission marks a significant milestone in the project. Subject to approval, work will be able to start on the first package of works known as the ‘City Link’ later this year. The submission follows the approval of the Outline Business Case in March 2024.
