PLANS FOR QUEENSGATE CINEMA

New application outlines two phase approach to development

Developers behind a multi million pound cinema-led extension to Peterborough’s Queensgate shopping centre are seeking approval to change the plans.

The owners of the 36-yearold shopping centre want approval from Peterborough City Council for a number of changes to the proposed £30 million development that was given the green light in 2016.

The alterations are minor changes that will only need approval of planning officers rather than councillors.

However, the new application does throw light on the timescale for the construction of the 77,000 sq ft extension that will see the creation of a restaurant and leisure hub as well as a multiplex cinema with an expected 11 screens.

An application document submittedbyagentsLichfields states the changes relate to the John Lewis store, which is releasing its under-used storage space for the extension, and to the height and length of the proposed cinema roof.

It also requires the installation of additional toilets at third floor level for cinema toilets.

In addition, it states the centre’s owner, Invesco Real Estate, is looking to carry out the works in two phases.

The first phase will involve the alterations at John Lewis in 2018/19 while the second phase, the construction of the leisure extension, will begin in 2020.

Last April, Invesco revealed it had run into problems with Odeon, which had been named as its cinema operator in 2015, and had begun discussions with two other cinema operators.

Seven months later, Guy Thomas, head of retail at Lendlease, which operates Queensgate, said an agreement with a major cinema operator was being finalised.”

He said construction of the Queensgate extension would start this year but refused to give an exact date.

This image shows how the planned cinema in Queensgate should appear.