Peterborough’s new stadium

As a Peterborian of 73 years and a Peterborough United supporter for 66 years, I am in a much better position than many to give a more balanced and realistic view than that of The Save Peterborough Embankment Group. How many of these well-intentioned people have been to the present Peterborough United stadium to watch a game? How many like football?

As much as I love this 61 year

old stadium which has been updated over the decades, it is no longer suitable for a Championship club, especially because of its too small capacity. It’s old and tired and does not have the space to expand. The cost to stay there and up-date is surely too prohibitive, plus the owners do not have unlimited finances (they have kept us afloat during the pandemic), capacity would be cut greatly while any building work went ahead - it is just not feasible. Peterborough United have stated they need only nine of the 70 acres which make up the Embankment. The Embankment has been neglected for decades which has allowed it to become a place for drug-takers, rough sleepers and other undesirables. In the late 60s/early 70s local football was played there, the surface was rough and stoney having been put on top of landfill - it was unfit for purpose. What Peterborough United intends to build is a multipurpose stadium, suitable for concerts, conferences, exhibitions, commerce, wedding facilities, plus 200 non-football events for all-year.

The Save the Embankment Group suggest many events will be lost but this is not the case. Many of the extra ideas theyproposecanstillgoahead. However, their idea won’t be conducive to retaining a wildlife area/flower meadow, birds in particular will be affected. (I should know, I’m a birdwatcher). There are still plenty of green spaces around the city.

The new stadium and concourse can include many of the events which they suggest, including music and comedy festivals. The Beer Festival can continue as before. A cafe and shops can still be accommodated. There will be space in 63 acres. As to a flood plain, some have suggested Middleholme across the Parkway for the stadium - this is even more of a flood plain). Surely Peterborough United have employed professionals to survey this site with this in mind? Also, the tradition of the Bridge Fair since I was a small child was on the Fair Meadow, now to be the swimming pool site, but I didn’t hear any objections to the loss of this! The new stadium is exactly right for the Embankment as Peterborough United Football Club (PUFC) will be aligned to the university. This icon needs to be central to the city, away from residential housing but easily accessible. Something that all Peterborough people can enjoy within walking distance of car parks (I believe a multi-storey is to be built close by), bus and train stations. In this position it will bring in many away fans, increase the town’s economy - already £7m because of PUFC. Please city councillors forget party preferences and embrace this idea for the Embankment position. Make us all proud of our new stadium, but still leaving space for many of the traditional activities and adding many more.

Sheila Cook Peterborough