Queensgate brings back old benches after complaints about new seats

Queensgate is bringing back old benches after complaints about new seats in the centre.
The new seatsThe new seats
The new seats

Benches which were previously situated in Queensgate were being brought back last night after complaints about the new seating which had been installed as part of an £8 million upgrade of the centre.

The new chairs are colourful, small and have little or no back rests, prompting complaints that they were unusable for people with poor mobility.

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Queensgate is now planning to look again at the shopping centre’s seating in the new year.

Speaking yesterday to the Peterborough Telegraph, a spokesperson for Queensgate Shopping Centre said: “We have received important feedback from our customers regarding the new seating in the centre, following our £8 million investment.

“Although the majority of customers prefer the new style and contemporary fixtures, we appreciate this might not be suitable for all, particularly those that are infirm or elderly.

“We have listened to this feedback and, from this evening, we will be returning the original seating onto the mall.

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“The seating will be placed back onto the upper and lower malls, by Central Square, East Square, outside John Lewis and spread evenly throughout Queensgate.

“The high-back benches on the West Mall by H&M, at the bottom of the escalators near John Lewis and East Square near Boots, will also remain in situ. In the new year we will work with our design agency to look at solutions to replace the old-style seating to complement the new look of the mall while offering support and comfort for all our customers.”

The £8 million investment from Queensgate was to bring in new lighting, doors and redesigned cladding, ceilings and internal finishes, and to create a bright, more modern and contemporary look.

Feature walls incorporating the history of Peterborough and local imagery were also included in the designs to highlight Queensgate’s community links.