Plans to transform a city centre landscape as part of the forthcoming Peterborough Station Quarter project are to get under way, following a recent consultation.
The council asked residents for their views on plans to fell 35 trees on the Queensgate roundabout, in order to commence the first phase of the scheme, known as City Link.
This work will create a modern, welcoming gateway between the railway station and Cowgate with the removal of the two subways that run underneath the Queensgate roundabout. The landscape will also be enhanced, making the area feel safer and more attractive, whilst improving connectivity between the station and city centre.
The council has now reviewed all the consultation responses and will be progressing with the City Link works, which are due to start before the end of March. As part of the consultation, officers reviewed whether any of the 35 trees could be retained. Unfortunately, this will not be possible due to engineering requirements that are necessary to construct the new footpaths and make improvements to the landscaping to transform the area.
The landscaping proposals will see 49 new trees planted and there are also plans for seven additional small trees / shrubs as well as a rain garden and Gabion walls. It was suggested in the consultation that more replacement trees should be planted. Although this will not be possible within the roundabout, the council is looking at other areas close by where additional trees could be planted.
Cllr Mohammed Farooq, cabinet member for Growth and Regeneration at Peterborough City Council, said: “I would like to thank everyone who took part in the consultation for their valuable feedback and we are now looking forward to seeing this vital work begin soon. I can also assure residents that we will continue to increase the tree canopy in the city as we move forwards.
“The Station Quarter project is going to be a real game-changer for our city and this first phase of work will be highly beneficial. Whilst the station is only a 10-minute walk away from the city centre, it’s very disconnected and not easy to navigate, with poorly lit pavements and walkways. City Link will transform this area into a much brighter, safer and accessible route.”
The Station Quarter is a regeneration project being delivered by Peterborough City Council in partnership with Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority, Network Rail, Platform 4 and LNER following a successful bid to the Government for funding towards the project.