The Connected City - Spatial Strategy for West Peterborough

client name:	Peterborough City Council
year:	2005
client type:	local government
location:	Peterborough, United Kingdom
expertise:	spatial strategy

The Connected City - West Peterborough Spatial Strategy

Over the next 10-15 years Peterborough will see an increase in its population through the building of new homes and the development of new facilities, infrastructure and businesses to support them. A masterplan has been drawn up for a major redevelopment of the city centre to revitalise the heart of the city.

Whilst the development of the city centre is paramount, it is also important to consider the outer ‘quadrants’ and how these will contribute to and benefit from the city centre regeneration and the developing regional economic strategy.

The study undertook an analysis of the strengths, weakness, opportunities and threats (SWOT analysis) at the regional, city and quadrant levels for West Peterborough.

The concept of a “Connected City”, based upon the “The New Charter of Athens 2003”, is proposed as a framework for the development of West Peterborough. This needs to be set within the wider context of the regeneration of the city.

The vision for the regeneration of West Peterborough should aim at improving links with the city centre and rural hinterland, providing a marked differential relative to its economic base, around the central theme of:
A green healthy well serviced residential area that offers safe environments and good communication networks as a part of the connected city.

The key proposals for the vision for the regeneration of West Peterborough are summarised according to the relevant scale levels, as follows:

Connections to the surrounding rural landscape should be improved.
West Peterborough should be considered as part of the whole city regeneration.

The fragmented spatial structure of West Peterborough needs to be addressed to provide better connections between its districts and with the city centre.

West Peterborough should profit from investments in the city centre and the new regional hospital. The redevelopment of the station quarter and site of the District Hospital should act as a catalyst and open up a gateway to the area. The new Edith Cavell Hospital can provide associated business opportunities and will require accommodation for key workers.

A new main route for transportation should be provided between Bretton Centre, the new hospital, the city centre and the station.
A new community and health centre should be provided in Bretton Centre
New district community centres should be established at new junctions on the main route through West Peterborough
The public spaces should be redesigned in terms of increasing their public character and useability
Future regeneration of dwellings should comply with future demand and should be of good quality.

Finally, a recommendation has been made for the next steps in the process to develop the West Peterborough Regeneration project. The first step in the process is to obtain approval from Peterborough City Council for the vision and strategy set out in this report.
Broadly supported agreements with all relevant parties are essential for developing a sustainable connected city.