Lighting up and greening up – Peterborough Cathedral

The public green spaces within Peterborough Cathedral’s Precincts are undergoing a makeover thanks to a £60,000 grant from the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority (CPCA) to make a difference to the city, the people who live and work there, and its visitors.

The grant is a response to the economic challenges faced by the city in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic.

It means the cathedral and its environs will be enhanced through a new planting and greening up programme, new street furniture and the installation of state-of-the-art eco LED lighting that will allow the cathedral to illuminate its west front and be able to light up in different colours to mark special events and seasons.

The Dean of Peterborough, the Very Revd Chris Dalliston said:

“We are enormously grateful for the opportunity this grant gives us to create a more welcoming and pleasant environment for visitors within the Precincts.

“During the pandemic many of us have come to recognise the need for tranquil green spaces and beautiful outdoor locations. The Cathedral grounds are a very special, ancient place and it is a joy to take steps to share them more widely.”

The plans for the 9.5 hectare site, which will be completed by Autumn 2021, include ambitious planting schemes, re-painted railings and replacement outdoor furnishings including benches, bins and new tables and chairs for the café terrace. Gravel pathways will also be renewed where needed.

The grant was the result of a presentation to the Combined Authority made jointly by Peterborough City Council and Peterborough Positive in a joint effort to respond to the economic challenges faced by the City post COVID.

Cllr Marco Cereste, Cabinet Member for Digital Services and Transformation, Peterborough City Council, said:

“We are working with partners to deliver an ambitious programme that is making a real difference to our city.

“Peterborough boasts many visitor attractions and the Cathedral plays a very important part in making the city a vibrant, exciting place to be.

“The funds to support this project were secured as part of the council’s vision to create an environment that brings investment and people into Peterborough.

“This project also highlights the importance of having green spaces within our city and the many benefits these bring to both physical and mental health.”

YOU CAN HELP! To help with this project, the Cathedral Head Gardener, Rob Glover, is appealing for new volunteers.

“Anyone who has some experience and knowledge of gardening and a good general knowledge of plants is invited to get in touch,” he said.

Full details are on the Cathedral website or email gardeners@peterborough-cathedral.org.uk  to find out more.

Photo: Peterborough Cathedral Head Gardener, Rob Glover, with Gardening Apprentice Alex Dines, and 20 tonnes of gravel to spread on pathways in the Cathedral Cloisters.