Peterborough City Council is asking people to share their views in a survey on the city centre’s Cathedral Square with plans to switch off the fountains.

As part of the 2024/25 budget, the council has agreed to permanently switch off the fountains in Cathedral Square and instead invest in creating a more attractive destination for residents, businesses and visitors.

It is one of the leader and cabinet’s priorities to make better use of our central square, and conversations are ongoing about what those future plans could look like.

As a result, council leader, Councillor Mohammed Farooq, and his cabinet now want to hear from residents as part of the process.

Cllr Peter Hiller, cabinet member for housing, growth and regeneration said: “Cathedral Square and the Guildhall is such a fantastic space in our city centre and is in the heart of our civic and cultural heritage.

“Our leader has been working with council officers and the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority since taking control of the council, as we want to see an improved vision for the Guildhall, one of the jewels in our city centre crown, and Cathedral Square as a whole.

“We encourage all who call Peterborough home as well as those who work and visit the city to let us know their thoughts. As a city of opportunity, Peterborough is on the cusp of a regeneration journey not seen for decades and the city centre is a vital area we would like to revitalise and make a place to be enjoyed all year round.”

The vision for the city centre is to breathe new life into the area and to restore its heritage value to provide a space that meets the needs of today. The feedback collected will provide insight to help shape any future proposals to develop and regenerate the area.

The survey is open until 23.59 on Sunday, March 24. Paper copies of the survey are available on request from communications@peterborough.gov.uk.