Good housekeeping by the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority (CPCA) could save a new footbridge proposed over the River Nene in Peterborough. “Due to efficiencies achieved in other projects, CPCA now have an underspend of £1.464 million in the Transforming Cities Fund (TCF) which must be defrayed by March 2025 or returned to Government,” says a report
And that means escalating costs for the Cygnet Bridge linking Fletton Quays with the Embankment could be met from the underspend.
“This TCF funding is only available to be used in schemes as part of already approved TCF activity,” says the report prepared for the investment committee of the Combined Authority.
Cash strapped Peterborough City Council asked the Combined Authority for an extra £2m on November 28th last year on top of the £3.4m it had already allocated for the £8m scheme.
The Combined Authority approved £3,427,800 in June 2022 to support the construction of a new pedestrian and cycle bridge connecting Fletton Quays and the Embankment area of Peterborough. Artist’s impression of the new bridgeThe Combined Authority says the Department for Transport recognise the “linkage with works other approved works in Peterborough” and are “content to approve the use of funds on this project”.
The report to the investment committee on January 13 says: “If we do not use these funds on capital works by end of March 2025 the funds would need to be returned to DFT.
“There are no other comparable schemes that we can use this specific funding on in this time frame.”
The committee will hear that the cost escalation is broadly attributed to:
- Structural Enhancements: Testing and third-party reviews identified the need for additional piling on the embankment landing areas, as well as increased steel requirements to ensure the bridge’s structural integrity and compliance with safety standards.
- Sewer Diversion Costs: While Anglian Water initially provided an early estimate for diverting the sewer pipe, subsequent contractor assessments revealed significantly higher costs for this essential work.
“To mitigate operational risks associated with winter weather, such as flooding, the construction schedule has been adjusted,” says a report to the investment committee..
“Global market conditions have led to significant increases in material costs, particularly for steel.”
The report says: “Inflationary pressures have resulted in a £470,000 rise in material costs from the outline business case to the full business case. Despite challenges related to cost pressures and delays, the project continues to demonstrate substantial economic and social value, affirming its status as a critical infrastructure investment for Peterborough.”
Work is now expected to commence in summer 2025 “ensuring optimal conditions for efficient delivery and reducing potential disruptions” with a completion date in the spring/summer of 2026.
The Combined Authority approved £3,427,800 in June 2022 to support the construction of a new pedestrian and cycle bridge connecting Fletton Quays and the Embankment area of Peterborough.
“This project, originally named the River Nene Pedestrian Bridge, will provide a vital new link between two significant redevelopment areas and the City Centre core, facilitating easier and more sustainable travel on foot, wheeling or by bicycle,” says the new report.
The Combined Authority approved £3,427,800 in June 2022 to support the construction of a new pedestrian and cycle bridge connecting Fletton Quays and the Embankment area of Peterborough. Artist’s impression of the new bridge“Following a successful public consultation, the bridge was named Cygnet Bridge, reflecting its central role in enhancing Peterborough’s active travel infrastructure.”
The project has received funding through Peterborough City Council’s Towns Fund bid, which secured £2m specifically for this initiative.
Furthermore, £955,024 of developer contributions has been allocated.
At the outline business case stage, the original funding envelope for the project was £6,322,824, based on an early conceptual design.
“However, as the project has progressed to detailed design, cost estimates have been refined to reflect more accurate requirements and market conditions,” says the report.
The Combined Authority approved £3,427,800 in June 2022 to support the construction of a new pedestrian and cycle bridge connecting Fletton Quays and the Embankment area of Peterborough. PHOTO: Terry Harris“Total cost of the project is now £8,322,824, with an anticipated shortfall of approximately £2m.
“Compared with similar river bridge schemes the total cost is assessed as reasonable.
The cost has been subjected to value engineering and thorough reviews with Peterborough City Council.
The investment committee will be told that if they agree, “the majority of the £2m will be found from the TCF, with the remaining £600k being allocated from Active Travel England Capital grant which was awarded for 2025/26 to the Combined Authority funding.
“DfT has confirmed they are happy for us to allocate this underspend to the current project, enabling us to fill the funding gap and deliver on both the objectives of the TCF and our own delivery of active travel in the Local Transport and Connectivity Plan.
“While Peterborough City Council explored opportunities for additional funding from alternative sources, no viable options were available at this time. The proposed funding strategy ensures that the necessary resources are in place to meet the project’s financial requirements and proceed with delivery.”
Committee members will be told the proposed approach “reflects a coordinated effort to maximise available funding streams and ensure that the Cygnet Bridge project stays on track to deliver its intended transport, active travel, and economic benefits for the region.
“Peterborough City Council (PCC) has provided reassurances that they are actively engaging with Milestone to coordinate the procurement of materials and related preparations.
“This proactive approach underscores their commitment to ensuring the smooth progress of the project and addressing any potential challenges in advance”.
The report says the style of bridge has been supported and chosen in the public consultation.
“The project team explored changing the bridge design from a cable-stayed structure to an alternative form,” says the report.
Peterborough is set to be the fastest growing local economy in the East of England between 2024 and 2027, even as the UK’s regional growth gap continues to widen according to the latest EY Regional Economic Forecast.Picture by Terry Harris.
“However, this option was dismissed due to the additional costs associated with redesign, new materials, and repeated third-party compliance checks. Pursuing this alternative would have exacerbated both time and financial pressures.”
Before seeking additional funding from the Combined Authority, Peterborough City Council conducted an internal budget review to identify potential contributions.
“This proactive financial strategy underscores the council’s commitment to minimising reliance on external funding and maintaining prudent financial management,” says the report.
“These collective efforts highlight a robust and balanced approach to addressing financial challenges.
“The project team has prioritised efficiency, risk management, and alignment with strategic objectives, ensuring the delivery of a high-quality infrastructure asset that meets Peterborough’s connectivity and development goals.”
Councillor Nick Thulbourn, cabinet member for growth and regeneration at Peterborough City Council, said: “If the additional funding request is approved, it will be a critical step towards realising our future vision for Fletton Quays.”
“As the area develops, the need for a bridge will become increasingly apparent, especially with the addition of key projects like the Goods Shed.
“The bridge will serve as a cornerstone of the area’s development, providing essential infrastructure to better connect people. It is fantastic that we have been able to attract Government funding through the Towns Fund to help deliver such a vital project.”
The CPCA’s investment committee will be asked to recommend the funding request, known as a change request, for approval at the Combined Authority Board in March.
