Peterborough bus service disruption to begin as work starts on Queensgate cinema

This week, Queensgate Shopping Centre has applied to temporarily close bays 10a to 20 of the Bus Station in early 2020 to create a safe space to construct the cinema and new restaurants, which will be built on top of the existing shopping centre. The creation of the extension is due to complete ahead of Christmas 2021 and during this period there will be increased activity with cranes, heavy plant and construction personnel working to complete the exciting development.

In preparation for the works, some of the bus services are being relocated to Acland Street next to the Brewery Tap pub, which is currently undergoing construction to create a temporary facility for bus users. On the evening of Sunday 8 March, bays 10a to 20 will close and some services relocated to Acland Street and operational from the morning of Monday 9 March. The substitute bus bays are 150 metres away (approximately a four-minute walk).

“The relocation of part of the bus station is, as we’ve previously communicated, necessary for the works required to build the cinema and retail space on top of Queensgate Shopping Centre,” says Centre Director, Mark Broadhead. He added; “We have spoken to all bus operators, local community groups and organisations as well as individuals to inform them well ahead of the changes.

“We will plan our communications to make sure everyone affected is aware of the changes and informed as to why.”

From early March, visitors to the city centre will see an increase in activity that will include cranes, heavy plant and construction personnel working to complete the exciting extension. However, the trading of all Queensgate’s retailers and the customer experience will remain completely unaffected.

Peterborough City Council, Stagecoach and Queensgate Shopping Centre have been and will continue to work together to ensure the process of the bus relocation is seamless. The temporary bus station on Acland Street will have directions for people to and from the current bus station, a safe traffic light crossing route on Westgate Road, additional CCTV and lighting as well as a weatherproof bus shelter.

The West side of the bus station will remain open for services 1, 2, 3, and 5.

The East side of the bus station, which will be closed and replaced by Acland Street temporary bus station will house services 4, 6, Busway B, 23, 24, 31, 33, 36, 37, 46, 60, 61, 62 and 63.

A pop up information stand will be in the bus station from 20 February for four weeks to help with Stagecoach bus information. Stagecoach will be hosting a public event in Queensgate on 20 February giving out information on bus times.

Councillor Peter Hiller, cabinet member for strategic planning, commercial strategy and investment at Peterborough City Council, said: “The city council will continue to support Queensgate and all partners involved in the relocation, to ensure the temporary bus station is fit for purpose and those who use it are properly informed of the changes.

“Investment in our city centre is accelerating at an unprecedented rate and our city centre is thriving – the addition of an Empire Cinema and food court is just the latest proof that the time really is now for Peterborough.”

Michelle Hargreaves, Managing Director for Stagecoach East said: “We will be working closely with council officials and the developers to ensure this essential building work goes ahead with minimal disruption and our passengers are well informed of changes to their bus stop.

“This is an exciting time for the city, its residents and visitors and we are pleased to be playing our part in shaping Peterborough’s future.”

The start of the creation of the Empire cinema and new restaurants coincides with the completion of the John Lewis & Partners £21m investment in its Queensgate store. The refurbishment includes an overhaul and reconfiguration of the entire shop with improvements being made to all departments alongside the addition of exciting new features.

A questions and answers page about the bus station redirection has been created and can be found at www.queensgate-shopping.co.uk under the ‘extension’ section and can also be collected in hard copy from the Customer Information Desk.