A £1.5 million project to regenerate one of the city’s main shopping streets will soon get underway following the announcement that Peterborough City Council has appointed a contractor to carry out the works.

A Cabinet Member Decision Notice has been published by the city council which details a decision by the Leader of the Council, Councillor Marco Cereste, to enter into a contract with Ringway Infrastructure Services Limited to carry out the Bridge Street public realm improvements.

The works are the next phase in the council’s Public Realm Strategy which looks to create a vibrant and sustainable city centre which can serve a growing Peterborough. Major regeneration schemes have already been completed in Cathedral Square and St John’s Square which have resulted in quality open spaces which have attracted new retailers and eateries to the city.

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The vision for Bridge Street is for a well-connected network of streets and spaces where people can live, work and play; which is alive during the day and also in the evening.

The Bridge Street public realm works will focus on the area between Cathedral Square and Bourges Boulevard. Improvements will include:

•Extensive resurfacing of the existing pedestrianised areas to improve the quality of the open space available for pedestrians.

•Redesign of the paved seating areas under the tree canopy, thereby providing future opportunities for market stalls and outdoor entertainment or dining.

•Improvements to the existing surface water drainage provision.

•Enhanced public lighting

•The replacement of existing street furniture with more modern pieces in keeping with those in Cathedral Square.

Preliminary works have already begun in Bridge Street to minimise future disruption. Morrison Utility Services on behalf of UK Power Networks is renewing an electrical main and drainage work and duct laying is being undertaken by Ringway Infrastructure Services.

The main works will commence at the Cathedral Square end of the street and progress towards the Town Hall. The remaining works from Bourges Boulevard back towards the Town Hall will be completed between January and April 2013.

The works will be completed in small phases where possible in order to minimise disruption to both shoppers and local businesses.

(CD/GK)