The Peterborough Evening Telegraph
University masterplan ‘includes new stadium’
A masterplan for the new University of Peterborough has revealed it will include a new events arena, nightclubs and riverside bars.
The document outlines the grand vision for land in and around the Embankment where the technical university is scheduled to open in late 2022.
The most eye-catching announcement is the proposal for a new arena which is likely to be in the shape of a new stadium for Peterborough United.
The club recently revealed its plans to deliver a new 17,500 capacity stadium which will have the capabilities to host major events and conferences.
Posh hope to have moved over from London Road in time for the 2022/23 season.
The masterplan for the 13.5 acre site also includes plans to convert the Regional Fitness & Swimming Centre in Bishop’s Road into a student union complex with accommodation, restaurants, nightclubs and bars, on top of further evening entertainment by the river.
Leader of Peterborough City Council Cllr John Holdich
said he still hopes to see the regional pool redeveloped and kept where it is as part of a sports village at the site, while the masterplan also proposed facilities including a leisure centre, football pitches and keeping the existing athletics track.
Cllr Holdich said: “Once there is a planning application for the new stadium, residents will be contacted for their views.
“The stadium needs to be near the station and town centre. I’m confident it would attract people to Peterborough.
“No modern football club can survive on just playing football, it will need other uses.
“It’s not on the development plan for Peterborough and it will need to be tested by the public.
“If the new stadium doesn’t go there we will have to look at other options for the arena, such as North Westgate or the Station Quarter.
“I’m very excited by the plan. We have tried to make Peterborough open for business. We can’t sit still, we have to go out and we have a good track record of it.”
The masterplan shows the space designated for the new arena/stadium would be separate to where existing events such as the beer festival are held, meaning they will continue into the future.
Discussing the future leisure offer in the area, Cllr Holdich added: “My personal view is I would like to see the pool remain where it is with the running track so we can build a sports village around the campus.
“It can be used by the public and be modern and updated.
“It’s one or the other (whether the pool is revamped or moved to North Westgate). It’s over 40 years old and costs a fortune to maintain it. It’s past its sell by date and we need to do something with it.
“These are the ideas being consulted on.”