Creative Quarter

The beating heart of Peterborough’s cultural scene, alive with art, performance, and ideas

The Creative Quarter is the city’s cultural engine, stretching from Westgate Arcade and Broadway to a network of galleries, theatres, studios, and independent creative spaces. This is where audiences meet artists, heritage buildings find new life as performance and exhibition venues, and creative entrepreneurs bring fresh ideas into the city centre.

From the boutique independents of Westgate Arcade to the bustling entertainment strip along Broadway, the Creative Quarter blends established cultural venues with grassroots creative initiatives. Here, artisan makers work alongside digital designers, filmmakers, and music producers. Pop-up shops, co-working spaces, and temporary galleries give local entrepreneurs a platform to test and grow their businesses.

Crucially, the Creative Quarter is the stage on which arts and cultural events animate the city centre — from street theatre and live music to outdoor exhibitions, maker markets, and fringe festivals. Regular programming keeps the quarter vibrant, encouraging footfall beyond standard retail hours and turning the city centre into a dynamic, welcoming destination day and night.

Geographical Layout:

  • Westgate Arcade and Broadway
  • Market traders & cultural pop-up spaces
  • Local galleries and independent performance spaces
  • Makers’ hubs, studios, and co-working spaces

Cultural Anchors & Symbols:

  • Key Theatre (shared link with River & Rail Quarter for programming)
  • Westgate Arcade independents
  • Pop-up art and makers’ markets
  • Local galleries and performance venues
  • Live music and fringe theatre spaces