Lendlease and Invesco Real Estate have confirmed that Empire Cinemas will anchor the £60m extension of the Queensgate shopping centre in Peterborough.
Empire will open a 40,000 sq ft, 10-screen cinema featuring an Imax and Empire’s large format Impact screens. Empire currently operates 129 screens across 14 cinemas in the UK.
The 77,000 sq ft Queensgate extension will be developed in partnership with John Lewis, which has committed to investing in its store as part of proposals to create an enhanced retail layout.
The extension, which will create 200 jobs, will also include leisure space.
In addition to signing Empire, River Island is upsizing into an 11,600 sq ft store at Queensgate. River Island joins Joules in utilising part of the former BHS unit.
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.”
Justin Ribbons, chief executive of Empire Cinemas, added: “This will be our first cinema in the region, so will serve as a flagship for the community, providing visitors with the best quality, screens, seating and sound.”
CBRE and Time Retail Partners advised Queensgate; Empire dealt direct; Harper Dennis Hobbs acted for River Island.
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