A £1.5 million project to regenerate one of
the city’s main shopping streets will soon get underway following
the announcement that Peterborough City Council has appointed a
contractor to carry out the works.
A Cabinet Member Decision Notice has been
published by the city council which details a decision by the
Leader of the Council, Councillor
Marco Cereste, to enter into a contract with Ringway
Infrastructure Services Limited to carry out the Bridge Street
public realm improvements.
The works are the next phase in the council’s
Public Realm Strategy which looks to create a vibrant and
sustainable city centre which can serve a growing Peterborough.
Major regeneration schemes have already been completed in Cathedral
Square and St John’s Square which have resulted in quality open
spaces which have attracted new retailers and eateries to the
city.
The vision for Bridge Street is for a
well-connected network of streets and spaces where people can live,
work and play; which is alive during the day and also in the
evening.
The Bridge Street public realm works will
focus on the area between Cathedral Square and Bourges Boulevard.
Improvements will include:
- Extensive resurfacing of the existing
pedestrianised areas to improve the quality of the open space
available for pedestrians.
- Redesign of the paved seating areas under the
tree canopy, thereby providing future opportunities for market
stalls and outdoor entertainment or dining.
- Improvements to the existing surface water
drainage provision.
- Enhanced public lighting
- The replacement of existing street furniture
with more modern pieces in keeping with those in Cathedral
Square.
Preliminary works have already begun in Bridge
Street to minimise future disruption. Morrison Utility Services on
behalf of UK Power Networks is renewing an electrical main and
drainage work and duct laying is being undertaken by Ringway
Infrastructure Services.
The main works will commence at the Cathedral
Square end of the street and progress towards the Town Hall. The
remaining works from Bourges Boulevard back towards the Town Hall
will be completed between January and April 2013.
The works will be completed in small phases
where possible in order to minimise disruption to both shoppers and
local businesses.
Councillor Marco Cereste, Council Leader and
Cabinet Member for Growth, Strategic Planning, Economic Development
and Business Engagement, said: “I am delighted that we have reached
the stage where we have appointed a contractor and that work will
begin any time.
“The recent improvements we have made to
Cathedral Square and St John’s Square have demonstrated that such
work can be instrumental in bringing inward investment to the city.
The development of these areas has attracted big names to
Peterborough including Nandos, Patisserie Valerie, Carluccios and
TK Maxx and we have Primark due to open soon - it’s a really
exciting time for the city.
“In creating an attractive city centre
environment and by attracting new businesses to the city, I am
confident that Peterborough is making its mark and will continue to
thrive both through its retail offer, but also in encouraging
people to visit and spend time here.”
Ends.