Initial work begins on city regeneration project

The main construction work on Peterborough's Station Quarter is expected to start next year

Preliminary work to regenerate the area around Peterborough railway station has begun.

The Station Quarter project aims to improve links with, and pedestrian access to, the city centre. There will be a new station entrance building and a new multi-storey car park.

The early work is focusing on vegetation clearance, surveys and site preparation, with construction scheduled for next year.

Shabina Qayyum, leader of Peterborough City Council, said the scheme would "transform this area into a much brighter, safer and accessible route for people".

In October, the Department for Transport approved the business case for the project and said funds were expected to be released for the scheme later this year.

The total project is expected to cost £65m, with nearly £48m expected to come from the government's Levelling Up Fund. The work will be carried out by Peterborough City Council, Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Combined Authority, Network Rail and LNER.

"It's exciting to see a start on site for the Station Quarter project," said Qayyum.

"While 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."

The overall project is expected to cost £65m

Paul Bristow, Conservative mayor of the Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Combined Authority, said the project would "play a vital role" in Peterborough's regeneration.

"This work will have enormous benefits for Peterborough – making it more attractive for residents and visitors and supporting the growing economy by unlocking jobs and housing and improving connectivity," he said.

Andrew Pakes, the Labour MP for Peterborough, said: "Years of teamwork and local ambition have paid off and now we're laying the groundwork for a modern gateway at the heart of our city."