City centre to undergo colourful redevelopment

Hanging baskets and movable market stalls - as well as long-awaited accessible public toilets - will be introduced as part of Peterborough city centre's redevelopment, the city council has said.

The improvements form part of the £1.5m Pride in Place funding programme announced by the government in September.

The council says it aims to create a more welcoming city centre, with enhanced public and community spaces that encourage visitors to spend more time there.

Andrew Pakes, Labour MP for Peterborough, said: "This is all about making the city centre a more attractive place to visit and building on some of the great work already underway by Peterborough Positive, businesses and local groups."

The regeneration plans come after repeated calls for more public and accessible toilet facilities in the city centre.

Raja Sabeel Ahmed, a Conservative councillor representing Ravensthorpe ward, said: "That [lack of toilets] is a major issue for people visiting the city centre."

Mohammed Jamil, Peterborough's cabinet member for finance, said he agreed the toilets were crucial, adding that he hoped they would be located close to Cathedral Square, possibly opened within the next two years.

"We now see a golden opportunity with the city centre funding," Jamil said.

"Public toilets are very high up on our agenda."

The installation of hanging baskets in the coming days marks the first stage of the project. Further planting will be added later to provide shade and create cooler, quieter areas.

Designs are also being drawn up for child-friendly play equipment that can be climbed on and used for seating. In addition, the council is looking to purchase about 20 uniform temporary market stalls to attract a wider range of specialist markets.

Numan Ali Iqbal, cabinet member for growth and regeneration, said: "The funding is just part of the investment we want to attract into the city centre to create a healthier, more attractive and inclusive city centre environment."

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