Skechers to step in to Peterborough’s Queensgate shopping centre

Skechers is set to join the line-up at Queensgate in Peterborough as works begin on a £60m extension of the shopping centre, which is anchored by John Lewis and Primark.

The global lifestyle and performance footwear brand will be located on the Upper Mall in the former 2,600 sq ft River Island unit, and will open at the end of April 2019. River Island upsized last year into a new 11,600 sq ft store, alongside Joules in the former BHS.

Queensgate Shopping Centre was bought by a fund managed by Invesco Real Estate and is managed by Lendlease, the property group specialising in project management and construction. Commenting on the new signing, Guy Thomas, head of retail at Lendlease, says: “Skechers’ new store will join the growing footwear line-up at Queensgate, located opposite Office and JD Sports.”

This news coincides with the commencement of phase one works for the £60m extension of Queensgate. The initial works, carried out in partnership with John Lewis, are set to complete at the beginning of 2020, and the full extension by autumn 2021.

The extension, totalling 77,000 sq ft, will be anchored by a 10-screen Empire cinema and create 200 job opportunities once complete. John Lewis is investing in its store as part of the overall proposal to create a new and enhanced retail layout, showcasing its latest store design.

“The next few years will be very exciting for Peterborough and Queensgate, with the new brands and extension significantly broadening Queensgate’s regional appeal,” adds Thomas.