Peterborough’s New Primark to become one of the largest shops thanks to ISG
(18/01/2012)

ISG obtained a £5 million refurbishment and extension project for Hammerson, which sees the contractor bring a 5,500m2 Primark store to the developer’s Queensgate Shopping Centre in Peterborough.

The ambitious scheme involves the reconfiguration of eight existing retail units at the Queensgate Shopping Centre, demolishing the internal walls and creating new spaces for lift shafts, stairs and escalators. Several existing tenants have relocated within the centre to accommodate the new store and the complex project includes sectional occupation of a number of the existing retail units and structural alterations to some areas of the shopping centre, including three new lift shafts to improve accessibility.

The project also includes construction of a three-storey steel frame extension, which will be built over an existing service ramp and ISG will have to ensure that access remains available for deliveries and customer collections throughout the project. The new build element is designed to mirror the architecture of the existing centre, featuring a brick façade and mansard roof structure.

Due for completion in June 2012, the project will be handed over to Primark as a shell unit ready for fit out. Once opened for business in November 2012, the new Primark store will be one of the largest shops in Peterborough and among the flagship stores at the Queensgate Shopping Centre.

ISG’s Bernard Clarke, managing director - South East, commented: "The popularity of Primark makes this store a valuable addition to the Queensgate Shopping Centre and to Peterborough. Minimising the impact on both retailers and customers while this complex scheme is carried out is a fundamental element of the project and we have worked closely with key stakeholders to develop a robust and carefully phased programme of work."