Nearly half a dozen new businesses are set to open in Peterborough before the end of 2026, providing a boost to the city’s economy.
Ranging from supermarkets to restaurants, each of these businesses has confirmed plans to open new Peterborough sites over the next three months.
They include Umami - a new pan-Asian buffet set to occupy a new 7,000 sq ft space in the Queensgate Shopping Centre - and a new Lidl store at Hampton Boulevard.
In just a few weeks time, an exciting new purpose-built padel facility will be opening in the city centre.
With exactly 100 days left of 2026, we’ve taken a closer look at each of the new businesses due to open in Peterborough over the coming months, including what residents can expect from them.
1. Vanilla
Women’s fashion brand Vanilla will be opening its new site at the Queensgate Shopping Centre on September 25. The offering includes fashion, footwear and accessories for shoppers of all ages. Vanilla provides two distinct brands: Blue Vanilla, which is general fashion for women, and Pink Vanilla, which provides brands for younger customers. The shop will be located on the upper mall, opposite Anne Summers. Photo: PT
2. Umami
All-you-can-eat buffet Umami will be opening its new Queensgate restaurant later this autumn. Once open, the new all-you-can-eat buffet experience will showcase over 100 dishes drawn from multiple cuisines, including Chinese, Italian, Indian, and Malaysian. The concept will include a mix of family-friendly favourites alongside street food, and a teppanyaki station for made-to-order Japanese dishes. Guests can also enjoy exciting Chef’s Specials from Monday to Saturday for continued variety, as well as a traditional Sunday carvery. The new restaurant will occupy a 7,000 sq ft space next to the Odeon cinema on the Third Floor, with building work having started in February. Photo: Umami
3. Lidl
Set to create around 40 new jobs, the new Lidl at the Boulevard in Hampton will open its doors later this autumn. The exact opening date is yet to be confirmed, but shoppers shouldn't have too much longer to wait. Construction work on the new 8.2 acre site in The Boulevard, Hampton, began late last year as part of a wider commercial hub project. Once complete, the new site will bring the total number of Lidl stores in Peterborough to five. Around 40 new jobs will be created by the new Lidl. Photo: PT
4. Tenpin
Leading bowling and entertainment provider Tenpin is set to open a 20 lane venue in Peterborough’s Queensgate Shopping Centre this December. Visitors can look forward to 20 bowling lanes, a fully stocked bar, a delicious menu, interactive darts, pool tables, private karaoke rooms, and an expansive arcade. The new bowling alley will be located in unit LSU2 on the upper mall. Pre-booking will open nearer to the December launch. Photo: SHAH MARAI