Background to the university

target for that university to be delivered by 2025. That’s the timetable we are working to, and we are absolutely determined that’s what we will do.”

The university, which will evolve from University Centre Peterborough (UCP), is due to open in 2022, but not become fully independent until

2025. UCP - which is jointly run by Peterborough Regional College and Anglia Ruskin University

- is currently seeking degree-awarding powers from the Office for Students.

Further revelations in the report include:

. A substantial turnover of key staff in leadership roles

. Disagreement over what the university’s curriculum should be

. Little reporting of activities carried out

. No clear sign that the project will be completed within budget

. Large amounts of documents not being shared among all stakeholders. The combined authority is now awaiting two further independent reports in March. Mayor Palmer added: “The reality is people are very passionate about delivering the university for Peterborough, and I’m one of those. “It will be something that will be unique, and will be something Peterborough can be proud of.

“It’s an outstanding opportunity for Peterborough, and we are on track.” The University of Peterborough has been a key ambition for city leaders for many years. The Government signalled its intention to see the city receive a fullyfledged university, but only as part of a devolution deal for Cambridgeshire and Peterborough which was agreed back in 2016. University Centre Peterborough expects to hear in the summer if it has been successful with its application to allow it to evolve into the new fully-fledged university. The Embankment has emerged as the main site for a university campus. Mayor Palmer said plans to develop the campus should be brought forward this year. The Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority has so far invested nearly £14 million into the university project.

‘It will be something that will be unique and Peterborough can be proud of ’

Mayor James Palmer