We’re Talking Peterborough Embankment – public survey launched

We’re Talking Peterborough Embankment – public survey launched

Peterborough residents and businesses are being asked to take part in a survey which will guide the future of the Embankment and Middleholme next to the River Nene.

“We’re Talking Peterborough Embankment” launched this week and will last until 31^st October. It will ask local people how they use the Embankment, what they like about the area and what they want to see improved. Earlier this year Peterborough City Council, commissioned independent experts to develop a masterplan for the area.

The masterplan has been funded with £200,000 the Government’s Towns Fund and £100,000 from the Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Combined Authority.

Dr Nik Johnson, Mayor of Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Combined Authority:

“The Combined Authority is committed to investing in the future of Peterborough, and we were happy to jointly fund a plan to transform and inspire. But before anything is done, it’s vital that local people – the community the plan aims to serve – get the chance to mould that future by speaking up on what they most want and need from this area. I urge everyone who cares about the city to use the survey to make their opinions really count.”

The first stage of public engagement will ask people to complete a survey asking how they currently use the Embankment, and what they would like to see in the future.  The survey can be found at www.peterboroughembankment.co.uk.

Feedback from the survey will help to start shaping the masterplan options.

In the coming months the public will be asked to evaluate potential ideas for the future of the site. A full public exhibition is also planned for later in the year where people can speak directly with the team producing the masterplan. The team will also have discussions with statutory stakeholders as well as others including Peterborough United Football Club and ARU Peterborough, both of which have ambitions on the site.

The masterplan will consider the Embankment and Middleholme sites as a whole. During the consultation the community will be asked for their views as to what uses they would like to see in the future. The final masterplan will then be presented to the Council in early 2022. It will guide strategic development, allowing for a comprehensive look at aspirations and proposals, rather than reacting to development requests on an individual basis as the city expands. Although it would have no formal planning status, it could be considered in the next review of the city’s Local Plan. If included, it would be used to guide Peterborough City Council planning in future years.

Matthew Bradbury, independent chair of the Peterborough Towns Fund Board:

“Independent experts have been commissioned to develop the best plan for the future of this important local area. We’re encouraging as many people as possible to complete the survey and to have their say on the future of this important part of the city.”

Councillor Wayne Fitzgerald, leader of Peterborough City Council and Cambridgeshire & Peterborough deputy mayor said:

“This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to shape a large area of our city in a well-planned and strategic way, that best fits the wants and needs of local people. It’s important that everyone with an opinion makes their views heard by filling in the survey.”