Region must start 'punching above weight', says Cambridgeshire mayor
Paul Bristow said there's a "cross-party vision" to deliver growth
Cambridgeshire and Peterborough must try and punch above its weight when it comes to growth, according to the county's mayor.
Paul Bristow set out plans to triple the size of the county's economy by 2050 in his growth plan late last year.
"Politics in the past has held back Cambridgeshire and Peterborough; it's been toxic," he said.
"We've moved beyond that now, so the county can start punching above its weight and start realising our ambitions," he said.
The plan aims to support the Government’s national Industrial Strategy to invest in key infrastructure areas such as transport, water and energy which risk holding back growth.
"There is a cross-party vision about the importance of our region and growing that Greater Cambridge economy and spreading that prosperity to the rest of our region," Mr Bristow said.
"If we can all work on that vision, now we need to start on delivery."
'Proper business case' for Ely Junction
One of the areas Mr Bristow wants to focus on is improving the outlook of Peterborough city centre.
That includes seeing progress on the new Station Quarter, after concerns the project might be delayed.
Councillor Mohammed Farooq, cabinet member for growth and regeneration at Peterborough City Council, said the Station Quarter redevelopment "is a huge and complex project.
"We are following a very detailed programme of works prior to being able to break ground on site and for there to be the visible presence of construction vehicles."
The council said building is set to start in March.
Mr Bristow also wants to see "a proper business case" planned to improve Ely rail junction, which continues to miss out on Government funding.
Last month, the former Peterborough MP said his growth plan was made up "with partners from every part of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough because we want a future that works for everyone."