Peterborough’s New Cinema Confirmed for November Opening

The launch date for a new cinema in Peterborough has been set for 17 November. Construction is currently progressing on the 10-screen Odeon Imax cinema, situated within the Queensgate shopping centre. This 25,000 sq ft facility, which will feature over 600 “luxury seats,” is anticipated to generate 40 employment opportunities. Suzie Welch, representing Odeon Cinemas Group, conveyed the team’s excitement in anticipation of the opening. Queensgate has recently experienced challenges following the departure of several major retailers. However, Invesco Retail Estate, the owner, has indicated that the cinema is expected to act as a “catalyst in its revival.” Previously, shoppers expressed having “very little incentive” to visit the centre after retailers including John Lewis, Marks & Spencer, Next, and The Body Shop ceased operations there. Despite this, Queensgate management asserts a positive outlook for the future, citing strategies to attract new businesses. Over the past year, the centre has welcomed new establishments such as TK Maxx, the indoor golf venue Puttstars, and Black Sheep Coffee. This week, home and lifestyle retailer Sostrene Grene confirmed its plans to open a store in the former Joules unit on 15 November, and Queensgate also has proposals for the city’s first Taco Bell. Earlier, Ed Ginn, director of investment management at Invesco, remarked that the centre has been compelled to “grapple with a vacant anchor store [John Lewis] alongside the usual struggles facing high streets everywhere.”