River & Rail Quarter

The River & Rail Quarter is where Peterborough opens to the world — the arrival point for visitors by train and the setting for the city’s waterfront culture. Stretching from the station to the River Nene, it blends historic transport heritage with ambitious new developments, most notably at Fletton Quays, which has brought offices, hotels, and public realm improvements to the riverside.

The story of this quarter is the story of Peterborough’s industrial, innovation, trade, and transport history. The railway station, a legacy of the Victorian boom, remains a vital national connection. The river, once a working artery for trade and agriculture, now flows through a rejuvenated cultural and leisure waterfront. Warehouses and yards have given way to civic buildings, theatres, and modern public spaces, yet the echoes of industry are still visible in its architecture and layout.

Adding to this narrative is ARU Peterborough, a bold symbol of the city’s future. Located within the quarter, it represents a new chapter for skills, research, and economic growth, connecting the city’s industrial past with its ambitions for innovation and knowledge-based industries.

The area is also set for a major transformation with the £48 million station upgrade and CityLink scheme, funded through the Government’s Levelling Up programme. This will modernise the station, improve passenger facilities, and create a high-quality pedestrian and cycle route linking directly to the city centre, the riverfront, and Cathedral Quarter. For visitors, this will dramatically improve first impressions, making the route from train to attractions intuitive, attractive, and engaging.

The Embankment remains the city’s largest open-air events space, hosting concerts, festivals, and community celebrations. Along the water’s edge, the Key Theatre offers year-round cultural programming, while the nearby Peterborough Lido — a 1930s art deco gem — draws visitors each summer. Walking and cycling routes along the Nene connect this quarter to green spaces and heritage sites further afield, making it a natural gateway for leisure as well as business tourism.