Government backs Peterborough Station Quarter plans

The station quarter will be developed in partnership with Peterborough City Council and the Combined Authority

The Department for Transport (DfT) has backed a city's multi-million pound station redevelopment project by approving its business case.

Peterborough's train station and surrounding land were earmarked for a £65m regeneration that included improvements to pedestrian access and the creation of a new western entrance and a multi-storey car park.

The DfT said funds were expected to be released for the project later this year and work was expected to start in the autumn.

Lilian Greenwood, Local Transport Minister, said: "It's brilliant to see the redevelopment of Peterborough Station Quarter supported with £48 million from the Levelling Up Fund."

She added: "This investment will make the station more accessible, improve walking and cycling links and provide better parking.

"I look forward to working closely with the council and local partners to deliver these improvements for the people of Peterborough."

The total project is expected to cost £65m, with nearly £48m expected to come from the government's Levelling Up Fund.

The rest will come from Peterborough City Council's Towns Fund and other partners, such as Network Rail.

Work will begin this autumn on the first phase of works - The City Link.

Under this phase, improvements to pedestrian and cycle access between the station and the city centre will be made, and much of the existing Cowgate underpass will be replaced with a more direct route.

A new western entrance will also be built to create a double-sided station and a new multi-story car park.

The release of some space currently used for car parking on the eastern side will unlock future commercial and residential development as part of phase two.

The total project is expected to cost £65m, with nearly £48m of this expected to come from the government's Levelling Up Fund

Peterborough MP Andrew Pakes said: "Today's news is another positive step forward for the plans, and I would like to thank everyone involved.

"The station quarter is about teamwork, and it is great to see all the partners pulling together. Thank you to the secretary of state for the confirmation today. I now look forward to work commencing on site."

Paul Bristow, Mayor of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, said: "As the city's MP, I fought to secure this funding, and now as mayor, I'm determined to see it through.

"The station quarter will be a gateway Peterborough can be proud of – one that attracts investment, jobs and visitors."