The Dean of Peterborough, The Very Revd Chris Dalliston, is lending his voice to the chorus of people calling for M&S to think again about the plan to close their Queensgate store. The dean says he is worried about the effect the closure will have on the city centre and how it will impact on the city’s future development.
“The loss of such a significant store poses a real threat to the vibrancy and viability of the city centre,” he said.
“Peterborough is a growing city, and a strong retail sector makes a vital contribution to the wider wellbeing of the whole community.
“We join others in asking M & S to reconsider and take the long view.”
The dean said that if M&S close in Queensgate, another city centre toilet will disappear for shoppers, leaving little provision for people in the city centre.
He said the cathedral is still working with the city council towards being able to provide an accessible changing space in the precincts “and we hope that we will be able to bring some positive news in that respect soon.
“In the meantime, the cathedral is able to offer level access toilets by the south transept (male, female and disabled) and we hope that those in need of the facilities would also take a few moments to enjoy the beautiful interior of the building, visit our lovely gift shop and perhaps visit Becket’s Traditional Tea Rooms as they leave the precincts”.
M&S said they will remain at the M&S Peterborough Brotherhood store and M&S Foodhall in Serpentine Green Shopping Centre.
“Shopping habits are changing, so we’re rotating our store estate to make sure we have the right stores to offer customers,” said a company official.
