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Ribbon cut at new look community
Ribbon cut at new look community

A new chapter has started for a Peterborough community, with the unveiling of a new look and a new name for Redpoll Place in Bretton.

The ribbon was cut by Wendi Ogle-Welbourn, Peterborough City Council’s Deputy CEO and Corporate Director People & Communities, officially opening the newly regenerated flats and signifying a new approach to addressing the issues faced by the area.

CKH has invested £350,000 in the area, and has also received a financial contribution from Peterborough City Council to support the work. The project has involved improving lighting and CCTV around the area and remodelling the area in front of the flats, giving clearer access to the housing and community areas, and providing the community with a modern and safe public space.

Externally, the building has been re-clad, whilst inside the communal areas and corridors have been redesigned to give a fresh and welcoming feel. New offices provide a base for the newly appointed full time manager, who is able to give residents easy access to housing advice as well as signposting to other relevant agencies.  The manager will also be able to control access to the building, whilst night time patrols are increasing the security of the area further still.

In addition to regenerating the area, CKH is working with Peterborough City Council to provide much needed short stay accommodation alongside the current residents, as part of its wider partnership working to reduce homelessness in the city.

CKH re-opened the South Bretton Family and Community Centre last summer, following renovation, and the centre is now home to a thriving community scene. This summer will see an action packed programme of events for young people and parents throughout the holidays.

CKH Chief Executive, Claire Higgins, said: “These works have transformed this area for the better, and are breathing new life into a slightly forgotten area of the city. Anti-social behaviour and criminal activity has been an increasing blight on the lives of the local residents, but the measures we have put in place should address this, and ensure that local residents and visitors to the community centre feel safe and confident. If people are still encountering problems we want them to report it to us without delay.

“Our partnership working with Peterborough City Council is having a really positive impact on the homelessness crisis the city is facing, and these additional short stay flats will help further in giving people somewhere safe to stay while they receive the help they need to get back into permanent homes, and stay there.”

PCC’s Wendi Ogle-Welbourn added, “It was a huge privilege to cut the ribbon today. The building and public space is looking wonderful and there is a really optimistic vibe in the air. These additional short stay accommodation places are vital in our work to combat homelessness, and part of the much wider work we are doing together.”