Peterborough council has backed proposals for a new youth zone valued at £13.5m, a facility intended to provide a dedicated space for sport, skills development and social activities for young people in the city.
Plans, politics and local concerns
Documents prepared for the meeting indicate that a smaller, less expensive hub was considered, but councillors were told there is an ambition "not to compromise with this much-needed facility". Cabinent member for growth and regeneration, Numan Ali Iqbal, described the proposals as a key element of the city's growth ambitions, saying the centre would give young people "a safe space to go where they can socialise, learn new skills, take part in sports and get support."
"The youth zone proposals are a very important part of the city's growth ambitions to ensure our young people have a safe space to go where they can socialise, learn new skills, take part in sports and get support."
Councillors from other parties broadly welcomed the initiative but cautioned about particular aspects of the plan. Conservative councillor John Howard said the project — originated by the Conservative administration — should avoid duplicating existing services and raised concerns about its proposed siting on the Embankment and the risk of long‑term prohibitive costs for the authority. He emphasised a desire to see "a clear vision for the Embankment" established.
Green Party councillor Heather Skibsted said her group welcomed the hub in principle but had worries about consultation on the location and whether the council had budgeted appropriately for youth workers to maximise the facility's benefits. She asked for clarification over the funding model for ongoing operational costs — whether the provision would be subsidised youth services or managed by commercial operators — and how young people from across the city would access the centre, raising the possibility of satellite sites.
Local youth panel response
Voices from the youth sector offered a positive reaction. Phil Priestley, from the Cambridgeshire Youth Panel, described the proposals as "tremendously positive" and called for a shift in how young people are regarded by the city.
"I think it's important to change the narrative from 'keeping youths off the streets'... to promoting the idea that society has a responsibility to nurture young people and create a stronger foundation for adulthood,"
Practical questions for implementation
While the decision to proceed secures capital funding for construction, councillors' comments indicate that several implementation issues remain to be resolved, notably:
- The final location and how it integrates with wider Embankment plans;
- How ongoing staffing and service costs will be funded and whether youth workers are included in budgets;
- Transport and access arrangements for young people from outer wards and neighbouring townships, and whether satellite centres will be planned.
At present, the public papers show the agreed capital envelope and the political backing, but not the detailed operating model. Those details will be critical in determining whether the youth zone delivers a fresh offer that complements existing support and leisure services across Peterborough.
| Representative | Role / View |
|---|---|
| Numan Ali Iqbal | Cabinet member for growth and regeneration — supportive |
| John Howard | Conservative councillor (Hargate and Hempsted) — supportive but cautious on location and costs |
| Heather Skibsted | Green Party councillor (Orton Longueville) — welcomes hub but questions consultation, staffing and funding |
| Phil Priestley | Cambridgeshire Youth Panel — positive about the proposal |
As the project moves into the next stages, residents will be watching how the council addresses the operational funding and access concerns that councillors highlighted, particularly given the importance attached to the Embankment as a public space in central Peterborough.
