Work is underway to construct the new Cygnet Bridge over the River Nene in Peterborough.
Once completed, Cygnet Bridge will provide a more direct, pedestrian and cyclist friendly route between Fletton Quays, the Embankment and the City Centre.
Our highways partner M Group is constructing the bridge. We expect the project to take around 12 months to complete.
Current status of works
We submitted the planning application for this project in May 2024. It received approval in December 2024.
Site preparation work began in May 2026. The initial work involved setting up a compound, office and welfare facilities on site. Following this, the main construction works commenced with footway closures in place on the Embankment from 18 May. The footways will be closed for the duration of the works with signed diversions on site.
As of mid-June, work to install piling platforms for the bridge on both sides of the river is currently being carried out. Main piling works, which will see columns drilled deep into the ground to create stable foundations for the bridge will take place over the coming weeks.
Project objectives
The objectives for Cygnet Bridge are to:
- Create a new pedestrian crossing over the River Nene
- Improve pedestrian journey times between Fletton Quays and the Embankment
- Improve the quality of sustainable travel links between Fletton Quays and the Embankment
- Improve the riverfront and create landscaped features to enjoy
- Protect and improve the biodiversity value of the area
- Assist in creating a walkable, liveable city
- Reduce pressure on City Centre traffic routes
Funding
The Government's Towns Fund has pledged a total of £2million towards the project. The Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities has ring-fenced this money which means we can only spend it on this project.
Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority has contributed £5.4million. The remainder will come from our own redevelopment budget.
The project budget is currently estimated to be £8.3m.
2023 consultation summary and chosen bridge name
In the summer of 2023, we ran a consultation asking for views on the pedestrian bridge, including options for an official name. The name 'Cygnet Bridge' was chosen as the preferred name from a list of five options.
As part of this, we published an online survey and carried out several pop-up events at the Nene Park Festival and outside the Town Hall.
In total, we received 566 completed online surveys which provided valuable feedback. We also engaged with approximately 165 people at the public pop-up events.
We held stakeholder group meetings with:
- Cabinet Members
- Ward Councillors
- Peterborough Civic Society
- Peterborough Cycle Forum
- Disability Access Group
Feedback received through the online survey
- 79% of the people who responded supported the bridge
- 55% of the people who responded said the bridge would encourage them to walk or cycle more
- 85% of the people who responded supported a new bin / new bins
- 86% of the people who responded supported a new bench / new benches
- The name 'Cygnet Bridge' was chosen as the preferred name for the bridge out of five options, with 28% of the vote
- 62% of the people who responded supported an art project (this would require additional funding)
Contact information
For more information, please email growthandregeneration@peterborough.gov.uk.