Empire Cinemas named as anchor for £60m Queensgate extension
Lendlease and Invesco Real Estate have signed Empire Cinemas to anchor the £60m extension of Queensgate, Peterborough.
Empire Cinemas currently operates 129 screens across 14 cinemas in the UK and the company’s vision is to provide a memorable cinema experience with the biggest screens, ultimate sound, a choice of luxury seating, including ‘comfort boosting’ double sofas or individual electric recliners.
In addition to signing Empire, River Island is upsizing into a new 11,600-sq ft store at Queensgate. River Island joins Joules in utilising part of the former BHS.
The 77,000-sq ft extension of Queensgate will be carried out in partnership with John Lewis, which will be investing in its store as part of the proposals to create a new and enhanced retail layout, showcasing its latest shop design. The extension will include new leisure space and there is already strong demand from a number of leading restaurant and leisure operators to take space.
Guy Thomas, head of retail at Lendlease, said: “This is an exciting milestone for Queensgate. The extension will cement the centre’s appeal as a retail and leisure destination on a regional basis by adding a significant leisure component and creating new stores that meet modern retailer requirements. Empire Cinemas is the perfect partner and will bring to Peterborough city centre a first-class cinema experience.”
CBRE and Time Retail Partners represented Queensgate. HDH acted for River Island.
