New look Westgate Arcade planned for Queensgate
Lend Lease and Invesco have announced plans for a complete refurbishment of the Westgate Arcade at the Queensgate shopping centre in Peterborough.
Due to begin in May, the works will aim to create a high quality location specifically for independent retailers. Plans include new signage, tiling and fascias, as well as the introduction of a consistent look for shop fronts and a new lighting scheme.
Claire Yeadon, asset manager at Lend Lease, said: “Westgate Arcade is a very important location within Queensgate, offering something different for visitors with its unique mix of retailers and the character of the arcade itself. These refurbishments will make Westgate Arcade even more desirable, and our objective is to create the region’s leading destination for independent brands.
“The size of the stores creates opportunities for independent brands to have a store in a complementary environment that benefits from Queensgate’s ability to draw visitors from across the catchment.”
Lend Lease has already shared the plans with the existing brands in Queensgate, and is in discussions with a number of independent and niche retailers about joining the mix.
Gerry Sondh, owner of The Oculist, an independent boutique optician in Westgate Arcade, said: “We welcome these plans as they represent a real commitment from Queensgate to independent businesses. Combined with the plans to refurbish the rest of the centre, Queensgate’s position as the number one shopping centre in the region will be assured.”
The Westgate Arcade upgrade is part of a four-phase plan to upgrade Queensgate following Invesco’s purchase of the centre 12 months ago and Lend lease being appointed as asset manager. The plans also follow investment in the centre’s car parks in the last 12 months and the signing of eight new brands including Lakeland, Tiger and Handmade Burger Co.
