City's former TK Maxx building could be demolished

A former TK Maxx building in a city centre could be demolished as part of the site's redevelopment, according to a council officer.

Peterborough City Council's cabinet agreed on Tuesday to sell the building to Bridge Street (March) Limited, having bought the property in 2020 for £4.1m using government Towns Fund money.

The authority's plan was to turn 62-68 Bridge Street into a community hub known as The Vine, however the works were later deemed no longer economically viable.

Six unconditional bids were received for the building and it was sold for an undisclosed amount, but a lower figure than the council paid.

At the cabinet meeting, Liberal Democrat group leader councillor Christian Hogg described the site as a "cornerstone building" to Peterborough's High Street and asked what the plans were for its redevelopment.

Chris Pike, the principal development surveyor at the council, said: "I can't speak for the developer in terms of what they're going to do with it, but their intention, my understanding, is potentially to demolish it with smaller ground for retail, potentially some first floor office space and then apartments at a higher level, potentially going up two more floors, maybe six storeys.

"But again, all these are assumptions and will be subject to a formal planning application process."

The cabinet report stated that the purchaser sought to exchange as soon as possible and to complete in January 2026.

Katy Cole, the cabinet member for children's services, asked whether the buyer would engage with the council and Anglian Water to rectify the smell in the area.

Adrian Chapman, the executive director of place and economy, said: "This is an ongoing problem. As you know, councillor Angus Ellis has taken strong leadership in this space to try and get it resolved.

"We've also arranged a meeting with Anglian Water via the MPs office in the new year, and subject to approval today, we will be making sure that the purchasers are invited to that meeting."

Three different locations for The Vine community hub were now being considered, including Central Library on Broadway, The Goods Shed in Fletton Quays and Peterscourt on City Road.

The Vine forms part of the government-funded Towns Deal programme, which provides funds for projects in urban areas.

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