Just released images show exciting new look for Queensgate shopping centre

This image shows how the the entrance to the cinema and the Courtyard will appear - close to the former Luch and Greggs outlets.

The Government’s decision to further ease the Covid lockdown has now allowed Queensgate managers to push on with the next stage of the extension which is due for completion next year.

Shoppers will soon see an array of hoardings placed on the mall near the John Lewis store as the new works get underway.

The development involves the construction of a 10-screen cinema on the roof of the centre plus a new offering of restaurants and retail stores in a 70,000 sq ft extension that will create about 200 jobs.

This is the how the centre will appear once the works are completed with this view from the Flying Tiger store looking over North Square with John Lewis to the right.

Construction work began in March five years after the plans were approved by Peterborough City Council.

Mark Broadhead, Centre Director, said: “Since 24 March work to the centre’s £60 million extension continued, under strict safety measures.

“Progress to build the 10-screen Empire cinema, retail and leisure extension moved forward to keep the projected completion date on track.

“Now that work across the UK’s construction industry has gained momentum, still under the strict safety measures, the next phase of our extension starts.

An earlier image showing the Empire cinema in the Queensgate.

He added: “We are extremely excited to be able to focus our attention on the extension and the leisure opportunities it will bring to Peterborough City Centre.

“Shoppers at Queensgate will soon see the significant hoarding erected on the mall near John Lewis & Partners.

“A majority of the construction will take place over night to avoid disruption to our shoppers’ experience, and it’s important for us to say that our retailers are open for business during this time.

“We will continue to post updates and share progress with everyone when we reach new milestones.

An earlier image shows how the roof-top cinema will appear from outside the Queensgate.

“In the meantime, I would like to thank our shoppers for their support and patience while we build this wonderful leisure destination.”

Much of the space for the new development has been given up by the John Lewis store, which is one of 18 of the retailer’s 50 stores still to re-open after non-essential shops were allowed to resume trading early last month.

A spokesman for John Lewis would not say when the Queensgate store, which underwent a £21 million revamp last year, would re-open.