Urgent Upgrades Needed for Safety and Viability at Ortongate Shopping Centre

Business owners at Ortongate Shopping Centre in Peterborough are expressing serious concerns about safety and economic viability, prompting calls for immediate improvements. Lloyd McPherson, who manages a sports bar, highlighted issues such as poor lighting and inadequate security, which contribute to a sense of danger. Other business owners echoed these sentiments, with Jaspal Singh revealing he was forced to close two gyms due to high service charges without adequate services.

Operators of the shopping centre, Cassco Holdings Ltd, claimed to have implemented an extensive maintenance plan, including a new CCTV system and reduced service charges since 2022. However, many tenants feel more support is needed to address their concerns. Singh specifically cited his monthly expenses of £3,000 for two units as unsustainable given the lack of patronage and services.

Long-term local resident Karina Dunn expressed fears that the shopping centre may turn into a ‘ghost town,’ claiming it used to be a vibrant hub filled with diverse shops. She, along with other customers, feels unsafe visiting the centre after dark. In contrast, Cassco Holdings defended their efforts, stating that only 15% of the lighting was under maintenance and they were unaware of any other businesses planning to exit.

The centre’s management reassured that the implementation of 24-hour CCTV has led to a significant decrease in crime and anti-social behavior, and they assert that savings from operational costs have allowed for the reduction in service charges passed onto tenants. Despite these measures, the call for additional improvements persists as businesses grapple with safety and financial sustainability issues.