One of Peterborough’s biggest regeneration projects is also one of the easiest to understand—largely because what is planned has been agreed upon since 2020.

Cygnet Bridge is now finally being built across the River Nene, connecting Fletton Quays and the south side of the river more directly with the Embankment and the city centre.

The project budget is estimated at around £8.3 million.

But as local experience suggests, things don't always stick to the budget when councils get involved.

The funding breakdown sees the Combined Authority contributing £5.4 million, the Government’s Towns Fund chipping in £2 million, and the remainder covered by the council’s redevelopment budget.

Construction kicked off around May and June, and the council reports the project is progressing on schedule, with a roughly 12-month build time expected.

Naturally, many locals have expressed concerns over Peterborough City Council taking on more building projects.

There’s also been plenty of cynicism about whether we even need another bridge exclusively for pedestrians and cyclists, especially sitting so close to the existing Town Bridge.

Cynicism aside, though, it’s worth talking about how it might actually benefit our community assuming we stop treating Fletton Quays, the Embankment, ARU Peterborough, the football ground, and the city centre as isolated little islands.

After all, a decent walking and cycling route can easily turn an attitude of "that’s over there" into "let’s just wander across."

That connection matters even more if the other pieces of the puzzle eventually arrive: the Sports Quarter, the Goods Shed food hall, a new hotel, and further riverside development on both sides of the water.

Of course, there will be disruption before any benefits are realised.

But since most locals have resigned themselves to yet another temporary inconvenience, it’s unlikely to cause too much of a stir.

Footway closures are already in place around the works, though major events on the Embankment are expected to continue as normal.

Peterborough has seen plenty of regeneration projects judged purely by glossy artists’ impressions some of which haven’t quite gone to plan, while others have yet to break ground at all.

Ultimately, Cygnet Bridge has one key question to answer: When it opens, will you actually use it?

If the answer is yes, let us know what everyday journey could it replace or improve for you?