Peterborough's Queensgate Shopping Centre, which lost John Lewis in 2021 and M&S in 2024, has undergone a massive £80 million revamp. The centre originally opened in 1982 as one of the largest purpose-built shopping centres in Britain. The closures were a major blow, but a spirited fightback has seen significant investment.
£80m investment
The revamp includes £20 million of investment in new retailers such as Sports Direct, ODEON Luxe, Putt & Play, Lovisa and Seoul Plaza. The former John Lewis store is now occupied by Frasers, which Cambridgeshire Mayor Paul Bristow said had “breathed a little bit of fresh life back into Queensgate”. Boots and Vision Express have also undergone major upgrades. Additionally, a £60 million leisure extension opened in 2024, bringing Peterborough city centre its only cinema.
New retailers and leisure
Catherine Lambert, Queensgate centre director, said: “Over the last few years, Queensgate has undergone significant transformation and investment to ensure it remains relevant, vibrant and attractive to today's visitors. We've welcomed a number of major brands and leisure operators. These investments – which total around £20million – demonstrate the confidence that national and international brands have in Queensgate and Peterborough.
“The owners, asset managers, and wider team at Queensgate have actively worked to ensure the centre keeps progressing as visitor habits evolve.”
Peterborough City Council leader Shabina Qayyum said the new stores were “an indication of how businesses and retailers are still wanting to invest in this city”. She added: “Our retail unit vacancy stands at 4%, which is lower than the national average of around 11% throughout the country.”
Local reactions
Tony Chauhan, 70, who works at Niro menswear store in Cumbergate, said: “We need to improve Queensgate somehow. We’re spending a lot of money on the railway station, but does it bring people in? It’s a nice city, picturesque – but we need more than that to bring people in.”
Jimmy Dean, 66, of Peterborough, said: “Peterborough is a lot different from what it was 30 years ago. A lot of pubs have gone. There’s nothing to do. They’re coming up with all these ideas, like the fountains. It’s just a waste of money. I think they should spend money on regenerating the shopping centre. I think it’s too far gone. You’re not going to attract people here because there’s nothing for people to come here for.”
Peterborough MP Andrew Pakes said: “Sadly, we’re not going to be able to turn the clock back to before the days of internet shopping and other challenges around it. We’re not going to bring John Lewis back. The challenge is: what does Peterborough city centre want to stand for? We are the shopfront of the city – we’ve got brilliant assets like the cathedral. I think it’s got to be a mix of leisure and bringing people in. We want people to come in to do a bit of shopping, and then go and visit something, so we can get them to spend a bit more time in the city.”
Mr Bristow added: “John Lewis closed shops all around the country, not just places like Peterborough. There’s no doubt that's a blow, but we’ve got to focus on what we're going to do now.” He is also using part of his mayoral budget to fund free parking after 3pm on weekdays at Bishop’s Road, Car Haven, Riverside, and Pleasure Fair Meadow to boost footfall.
