Residents across two Peterborough neighbourhoods can now shape how up to £40 million of Government Pride in Place funding transforms their local area, after Peterborough City Council and Andrew Pakes MP launched a public listening exercise on 6 July. The consultation covers Paston, Gunthorpe and Welland, and Orton Malborne and Orton Goldhay, with online surveys now open for residents, businesses and community groups.
The funding, announced in September 2025, divides equally between the two areas at £2 million per year for a decade totalling £20 million per neighbourhood. Jonathan Jelley MBE JP, independent chair of the Paston, Gunthorpe and Welland board, said the area has great strengths and potential but success depends on local people shaping the future. Ejaz Moghul, chair for Orton Malborne and Goldhay, added that real change happens when decisions are made by the people who live there.
In-person community events will follow at a later date, with details yet to be announced. The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government requires governance arrangements and board membership to be confirmed by mid-July, when full board members are expected to be named. A Summer Pride in Place Grant Scheme launched in June marked the first funding opportunity, helping community groups deliver summer holiday activities.
Andrew Pakes MP said the listening exercise is the first step in putting power back in the hands of local people who know their streets and parks best. Sam Carling MP added that residents have an ideal time to get involved and share views on the transformational investment.
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