Work to deliver an extension at Queensgate shopping centre in Peterborough has reached the second stage of development.

Lendlease and Invesco Real Estate have appointed McLaren to take forward this phase of the project.

John Lewis & Partners completed phase one of the extension works and the significant £21m refurbishment, forming part of the wider £60 million extension plans for Queensgate Shopping Centre.

McLaren will now work alongside consultant, Gardiner & Theobald, to carry out the vertical extension, closing off parts of the building for redevelopment, whilst Queensgate remains fully operational. A new central atrium, covered by a glazed roof, is being introduced and will be home to a bespoke restaurant and leisure space, designed specifically to allow natural light to flood the space. The new bridge link will provide access between the extension and a new 10-screen Empire cinema, all due to be completed by Autumn 2021.

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Guy Thomas, Head of Retail at Lendlease, commented: "The extension which includes space set aside for leisure that will complement the 10-screen Empire cinema, marks a major milestone for Queensgate's development futureproofing the retail destination for years to come. We are pleased to be working with construction experts McLaren and together will create this long-awaited addition to the scheme, bringing significant benefits to the city of Peterborough."

Jay Newman, managing director, McLaren – South, added: "The second phase of this major redevelopment at Queensgate will provide an exciting new cultural entertainment hub for local people and visitors to Peterborough. This is a challenging build – we know from our experience in building mixed-use leisure and restaurant developments that we have to be innovative with the project scheduling, using modern construction methods to carry out the demolition and major works – to minimise disruption to Peterborough's shoppers.

"Once complete, the new facilities will also create 200 new jobs for local people. We are working closely with the local community and Queensgate to bring further employment opportunities to the area during the construction programme."

(CM/MH)