Peterborough MP set to meet M&S over future in city

MP Paul Bristow is set to discuss the city centre store with M&S bosses

A Conservative MP said he would meet Marks & Spencer bosses later this week to discuss the retail giant's future in Peterborough.

M&S announced plans to shut its shop in the Queensgate Shopping Centre, citing changing shopping habits.

Peterborough MP Paul Bristow said he was meeting M&S managers for discussions on Friday.

"I have arranged a meeting. I am still hoping to persuade them to stay as a food-only store," he said.

Mr Bristow said he had already met M&S public affairs staff.

Why is M&S planning to leave?

• M&S regional manager Craig Burton said shopping habits were changing

• The retailer was "rotating" its "store estate" to make sure it had the "right stores to offer customers"

• Mr Burton said in recent years M&S had "invested over £31m" in East of England stores

• He said staff would be offered "alternative roles with M&S wherever possible"

Andrew Pakes, Peterborough's Labour & Co-operative candidate for the next general election, has called for a round table meeting, involving Queensgate's owners, M&S and Peterborough City Council.

A council spokeswoman said members were continuing to work with M&S "on how they may be able to build on their presence in the city".

In 2021, John Lewis announced it would leave Queensgate Shopping Centre after almost 40 year of trading there.

The Frasers Group is due to move into the former John Lewis unit and will offer a House of Fraser store and a Sports Direct store.

Mohammed Farooq, the Peterborough First leader of the city council, said in a recent online column that M&S's announcement was "disappointing".

However, he said it was reassuring that the company had "confirmed its commitment" to other stores at Serpentine Green and Brotherhood Retail Park.