Peterborough has been awarded £48 million to revolutionise the city’s rail station – described as a “new gateway to unlock the vibrant city centre”.
The grant was announced tonight by the Government and is one of more than 100 projects awarded a share of £2.1billiion from Round 2 of the government’s flagship Levelling Up Fund.
The award – the only one so far in the county-is a major coup for the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority (CAPCA) that submitted the funding bid.
“Nearly £48 million to build a new entrance and footbridge for Peterborough train station, creating a new gateway to unlock the vibrant city centre for local people, commuters and visitors,” was how the government announced the award tonight.
“Landmark levelling up funding will breathe new life into more than 100 communities, with up to £2.1 billion awarded today to transformational projects across the United Kingdom,” said a government spokesperson.
A total of 111 areas have been awarded funding from the second round of the Levelling Up Fund.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said: “Through greater investment in local areas, we can grow the economy, create good jobs, and spread opportunity everywhere.
“That’s why we are backing more than 100 projects with new transformational funding to level up local communities across the United Kingdom.
“By reaching even more parts of the country than before, we will build a future of optimism and pride in people’s lives and the places they call home.”
However, there was no immediate news of the £14m Levelling Up bid by Fenland District Council.
Among its bid application was £1.7m for a visitor centre and improved link to the Market Place, Wisbech.
A second scheme is for £2.6m worth of improvements to the old Market Place, including street greening and public realm enhancements linking the town centre to the Nene waterfront.
The third, and largest, scheme was for a £9.7m green skills centre for the College of West Anglia.