New Peterborough library and community hub to be split across two sites
It's part of a project to revamp the area
Last updated 12th May 2023
A refurbished Peterborough Central Library centre hub and communal food and drink hall is going to be split across two sites.
The decision was made at the Peterborough Towns Fund Board meeting on Wednesday (10 May).
This will allow derelict shops, including former TK Maxx and New Look in Bride Street, to be bought by private investors.
The Library will be fully refurbished, transforming the 1980s building into a community hub.
What will be on offer at the new Library offer?
- browse books
- grab a coffee
- attend a yoga class
- buy goods from independent traders
- set up and run small businesses
- learn new skills and courses
- visit a wide range of exhibitions and events
It's part of development plans, known as The Vine.
This will be complemented by a second building at another city centre site, which will be home to a multitude of food and beverage takeaway restaurants and bars, with a communal dining area in the centre.
These plans are being supported with £13 million from the government.
Andy Starnes, independent vice-chair of the Peterborough Towns Fund Board, said: “The concept of The Vine is still a good one.
"When we submitted the business case to the Government, we explained that it might be run across two sites.
"They were still excited by the project and believed it to be successful, that’s why they gave us the £13million to deliver it.”
Eight out of eight Towns Fund projects submitted in Peterborough have been successful in receiving Government funding. In addition, all Government Levelling Up Fund applications have also been successful – bringing the total amount secured in Government funding over the past year to more than £80million.
Towns Fund money is ring-fenced by the Government and so it can only be used for this purpose.
Other projects include a pedestrian bridge over the River Nene, an Activity Centre at Nene Park and a Green Technology Centre at Peterborough College.