New signs might point to long-awaited opening of Frasers in Peterborough

Its distinctive name signs have just gone up over the entrances to the the units on three storeys of the Queensgate that will be home to its popular brands Frasers, Flannels and Sports Direct.

While the retailer has not confirmed an opening date, details in its staff recruitment adverts stated that it was hoped the store would open in December.

However, requests for details from Frasers about its opening plans have so far been greeted with silence.

But Pep Cipriano, chief operating officer for Peterborough Positive, which runs the city’s Business Improvement District, said: “If Frasers does not open until January, that is not a problem.

“We find there are fewer people in the city centre in January and February, so if Frasers was to open in the New Year that would give the centre a boost.

“We know that Frasers will open and we will all be pleased and excited when it does.

Mr Cipriano said: “Frasers is very important to Peterborough. It will attract a new type of shopper to the city centre and will encourage people to spend more time in the city centre.

“It will also complete the far end of Queensgate that has been empty since the closure of John Lewis.”

Frasers will be moving into the space previously occupied by department store chain John Lewis which employed 318 people before its closure in 2021.

The retailer first revealed its intention to move into Queensgate in January 2024.

At the time a spokesperson for Frasers said: “We are pleased to confirm that we will be opening a new Frasers concept store in Peterborough’s Queensgate Shopping Centre, bringing customers the world’s most aspirational brands, as well as a dynamic beauty hall.

"A 30,000 sq. ft Sports Direct store will also open, featuring a USC, Jack Wills and GAME.

"We are big believers in physical retail and these openings mark an exciting time for the Group as we continue to expand our store portfolio across the UK and Europe.”