Regeneration and growth hot topics at Mayor’s first Question Time in Peterborough 

Regeneration and growth hot topics at Mayor’s first Question Time in Peterborough 

Making Peterborough a better place to live and work were among key questions put to Paul Bristow at his first Mayor’s Question Time event held at St John’s Church in the city centre. 

Chaired by local broadcaster Kev Lawrence, the event gave members of the public the opportunity to question the Mayor directly and hear more about his priorities for the city and wider region. Questions were submitted in advance and taken from the audience on the night, covering topics including regeneration, transport, skills, bus services and the future of Peterborough city centre.

Host Kev Lawrence with Paul Bristow at the Question Time event

A strong theme throughout the evening was revitalising the city, with residents keen to see faster progress on regeneration and investment to help Peterborough thrive. 

The Mayor spoke about the role of major regeneration projects including the Station Quarter, which will better connect the station with the city centre and act as a catalyst for growth, jobs and tourism.  

Since the Question Time, Paul Bristow, Peterborough MP Andrew Pakes and Leader of Peterborough City Council Cllr Shabina Qayyum have written a joint letter to Matthew Pennycook MP, Minister of State for Housing and Planning.  They argue that establishing a new Mayoral Development Corporation would provide the practical delivery vehicle needed to turn longstanding ambition to regenerate the centre into reality. 

Transport and opportunity for young people were also key themes at the Question Time, with the Mayor highlighting progress with funding for a new bus depot, protecting bus services between Peterborough, March and Ramsey, and the launch of the Youth Hub at Peterborough United, with funding from the Combined Authority’s Youth Trailblazer scheme. 

The event, held on January 14, took place shortly after the launch of the Combined Authority’s Local Growth Plan, with an ambition to triple the size of the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough economy by 2050, backed by investment in transport, skills, housing, energy and water.  

Paul Bristow said: “Mayor’s Question Time is about being open, accessible and accountable. I wanted to hear directly from residents about what matters to them, and the message was clear – people want Peterborough to succeed and they want to see progress. 

“There is real ambition for this city, and to step up the pace of change. My job is to turn that ambition into real improvements people can see and feel. 

“I intend to make Mayor’s Question Time a regular part of how I engage with residents, and I know people will continue to hold me to account on delivering for them.” 

Further Question Time events across Cambridgeshire and Peterborough will take place this year. 

To listen to the Question Time, go to, Part 1: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8fFrtepu1i4 

Part 2: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nSeev9-porU