Shops, leisure and flats may replace M & S in Bridge Street

New users being lined up for the Marks & Spencer Bridge Street store, where staff last year celebrated 50 years since the store's opening. Pictured is men's wear assistant Margaret Porter who started in the store the day it opened. EMN-140603-083917001

Two national retailers have already made offers to use the ground floor, which is likely to be split into two separate shops.

Commercial agents are also talking to gym operators about a possible use for the first floor.

But they say the 35,000 square feet first floor could be divided up to accommodate other users.

Alternative uses could range from students flats to wedding venue, galleries and church groups.

Julian Welch, of agents Barker Storey Matthews, said: “Both retailers looking to use the ground floor are national companies. One is new to Peterborough, the other already has a presence in the city.

“We are in talks with two gym operators but we are also looking to attract interest from hotels, students accommodation and community uses such as wedding galleries and church groups.”

Marks & Spencer is relocating to its new-look store in the Queensgate Shopping Centre, where it currently has its food outlet.

Peterborough MP Stewart Jackson said: “It’s a big difference from 2009 when Woolworths closed and we struggled to fill the retail premises.

“It’s good the city centre is thriving to the extent our void levels are low and restaurants and niche retailers are queuing up to come to Peterborough. That will only improve as more people choose to shop in central Peterborough and live in the heart of the city too.”

M&S chiefs say Peterborough is large enough for its three stores

Marks and Spencer’s Bridge Street store in Peterborough to close

Marks and Spencer to close Bridge Street store