£8m refurb begins at Peterborough shopping centre


Lendlease and Invesco Real Estate have just announced that work has commenced on an £8m refurbishment programme at Queesnsgate Shopping Centre in Peterborough.

Designed by multi- award winning architecture studio, Benoy, the extensive changes will include new lighting, doors and redesigned cladding, ceilings and internal finishes, to create a bright, more modern and contemporary look.

To enhance customer experience, seating areas complementing the design and structure of the centre will be upgraded throughout the scheme. Subject to planning approval, The Cumbergate entrance, adjacent to Carluccio’s, will also be upgraded to create an improved welcome hall.

Highlighting the Queensgate’s strong community links, feature walls incorporating the history of Peterborough and local imagery will be included in the designs.

All works will take place overnight when the centre is closed to ensure visitors and retailers are unaffected by the refurbishment. Due to be complete in November 2017, Queensgate’s transformation will secure its reputation as a leading regional retail destination.

Guy Thomas, Head of Retail Asset Management at Lendlease, said, “We are excited to commence the refurbishment works at Queensgate. With the customer, sustainability and high quality design at its heart, the works will further boost Queensgate’s green credentials, whilst creating a welcoming and engaging retail offering. With strong demand from leading brands, the new and improved fac¸ade of the malls will reflect Queensgate’s dominance in the East of England.”

Last year Queensgate’s environmental department was awarded an industry first ISO 14001:2015 accreditation for its environmental management. Since Invesco bought Queensgate and Lendlease took over the asset management 18 months ago, 16 new brands totaling over 55,000 sq ft of space have been added to Queensgate including most recently MAC Cosmetics and Hotel Chocolat. In addition, Westgate Arcade has been refurbished and significant investment has been made in improving Queensgate’s car parks.