Family unveil new plaque at Laxton Square in honour of Ray Laxton
A special ceremony has been held following the redevelopment of Laxton Square in Peterborough to reveal a new plaque in honour of Ray Laxton (1928-1980).
Laxton Square was originally created in 1981 to honour the life of Ray following his distinguished services to the building of the new Peterborough as Mayor, City Councillor and Development Corporation member, and has recently been redeveloped as part of Cross Keys Homes’ Indigo development.
To mark this special occasion, Ray Laxton’s son, Simon Laxton, travelled all the way from Kenya to reveal the new plaque in memory of his father, along with his brother Tim and sister Helen and their extended family.
Simon said on behalf of the family: “It is a privilege to be here today with my family to remember our late father and all the tremendous work he did for the city of Peterborough.
“To unveil the new plaque and see first-hand the redevelopment work that has been carried out at Laxton Square by Cross Keys Homes and their development partners, Willmott Dixon, is extraordinary. The square has been completely transformed and provides a wonderful vibrant space for people to come together and enjoy.”
Cross Keys Homes’ Chief Executive, Claire Higgins, added: “It was an absolute delight to meet Simon and his family, and we are extremely grateful that they travelled all this way to unveil the new plaque.
“Laxton Square has always been a prominent area in the city centre, and we wanted to ensure as part of our redevelopment work that we kept the square as a tribute to Ray Laxton and by way of a wonderful amenity space for people to enjoy for years to come.”
Simon and his family were joined by Labour MP for Peterborough, Andrew Pakes, Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority’s Housing Programme Manager, Azma Ahmad-Pearce, Cross Keys Homes’ Chief Executive, Claire Higgins, Willmott Dixon’s Construction Manager, Nick Johnstone and former Director of Corporate Services at Peterborough City Council and good friend to Ray Laxton, Alison Stone, to unveil the plaque. Also present for the ceremony was Cross Keys Homes’ Directors team and colleagues from Willmott Dixon.
Simon’s mother, Barbara Laxton, said: “Although I couldn’t be there with my children for the unveiling, I am deeply touched to know that my late husband has been remembered so fondly, and that Laxton Square has been re-invigorated so thoughtfully as a tribute to his legacy.”
Labour MP for Peterborough, Andrew Pakes, added: “It is a privilege to join Ray Laxton’s family and friends, along with our partners from Cross Keys Homes and Willmott Dixon, in celebrating the legacy of a man who made such a profound impact on Peterborough.
“Ray’s vision and dedication as Mayor, City Councillor, and member of the Development Corporation helped shape the city we know today. This beautifully redeveloped square stands as a lasting tribute to his work, and I am proud to see it transformed into a vibrant space that brings people together and honours his memory for generations to come.”