Local businesses have voted to keep funding Peterborough Positive for an additional five-year term, ensuring the not-for-profit organisation will continue to promote and manage activity in the city centre.
What the renewal means for the city
Formed to give firms a collective voice and to drive footfall into the centre, Peterborough Positive now represents over 350 companies. Its recent work has included visual improvements such as murals and planters, a programme of events, and a range of safety and marketing campaigns designed to attract visitors and support local traders.
"We care deeply about creating a city centre that businesses can be proud to be part of and that residents and visitors want to spend time in," said Pep Cipriano, the organisation's chief.
People and roles on the ground
The Peterborough Positive team combines promotional activity with visible support in the city centre. Key named roles include a city centre ambassador, Terry Alton, and a dedicated police officer, PC Jay Cullimore, who work alongside the organisation to deliver practical, day-to-day presence.
- Representation: More than 350 businesses are members.
- Place-making: Projects include murals, planters and public events.
- Safety and support: A city ambassador and a dedicated police officer provide visible help in the centre.
Leadership perspective
Kelly Linay, chair of Peterborough Positive, said the organisation had spent the past four years building relationships and giving businesses "a stronger voice" while delivering initiatives intended to make a tangible difference to the city centre's confidence and vibrancy.
| Aspect | Detail |
|---|---|
| Funding term | Five years (renewed by business vote) |
| Membership | More than 350 businesses |
| Notable team members | Terry Alton (city ambassador); PC Jay Cullimore (dedicated police officer) |
Local context and likely impact
For traders and residents across Peterborough, the renewed backing means continuity of projects that aim to make the centre more appealing and safer. The varied initiatives — from decorative planters to marketing campaigns and visible security presence — are intended to support footfall recovery and help businesses trade with greater confidence.
As city-centre dynamics continue to shift, business-led bodies such as Peterborough Positive will play a prominent role in shaping how public space is used and presented. With the fresh mandate, the organisation will have the opportunity to build on recent interventions and to expand its engagement with local stakeholders over the next five years.
