Rivergate Shopping Centre

Shop, eat and support local at Rivergate Shopping Centre Peterborough, a covered city-centre arcade bringing independent businesses, international food, useful services and everyday community life together beside Bridge Street and the River Nene.

Rivergate Shopping Centre at a glance

What: Covered independent shopping, food and services arcade
Where: Viersen Platz, off Bridge Street, Peterborough
Opened: 1989
Scale: Approximately 65,000 square feet and 26 units
Character: Independent businesses and food from several cultures
Best for: Everyday shopping, specialist services and casual meals

Covered, independent and unmistakably useful, Rivergate is where Peterborough shops locally, stops for coffee and discovers flavours from across the city’s communities. It connects Bridge Street with West Rivergate at the city centre’s riverside edge.

Rivergate Shopping Centre opened in 1989, when it was built by Beazer Construction. Its approximately 65,000 square feet of space was divided into 26 units, creating a smaller and more informal alternative to Peterborough’s larger shopping destinations.

That scale remains one of Rivergate’s strengths. Rather than feeling like a conventional national shopping mall, the arcade is shaped by independent businesses, specialist services and places to eat. It is practical, diverse and locally rooted: the sort of place where everyday errands, lunch and chance conversations overlap.

The centre occupies an important position at the southern end of Bridge Street. Its covered arcade runs between Viersen Platz and West Rivergate, helping to link the pedestrianised shopping streets with the riverside, Town Bridge and the southern side of the city.

This makes Rivergate a useful starting point for exploring Peterborough beyond its central retail streets. Cross the river for Fletton Quays, follow the riverside towards the Embankment, or continue to Peterborough United on a match day.

Rivergate may not seek the spotlight, but it plays an important role in Peterborough’s independent economy. Its mix of shopping, food and practical services reflects the people who live here and gives visitors a more everyday, community-led view of the city.

What to expect

Shop local

Independent businesses

Browse a varied mix that can include clothing, fabrics, gifts, collectables, homewares and specialist goods.

Eat and drink

Flavours from across the city

Cafés, international casual dining, desserts, drinks and specialist groceries give Rivergate much of its personality.

Everyday Peterborough

Useful local services

Hair, beauty, repairs and other practical services make this a working neighbourhood centre as well as a shopping arcade.

Whatever the weather

A covered route

The undercover arcade provides a sheltered connection between Viersen Platz, the shops and West Rivergate.

Local character

A community-led centre

Rivergate’s independent mix reflects Peterborough’s diverse communities and supports businesses with a distinctly local identity.

Explore further

Close to the River Nene

Town Bridge, the Embankment, Fletton Quays and Peterborough United’s stadium are all within easy walking distance.

Planning your visit

Address: Rivergate Shopping Centre, Viersen Platz, Peterborough, PE1 1EL
Finding it: The arcade is at the southern end of Bridge Street, close to Town Bridge and the River Nene.
Opening hours: Most businesses trade during daytime shopping hours. Restaurants, cafés and the larger supermarket may keep different or longer hours.
Admission: Rivergate is free to enter. Purchases, meals and individual services are charged separately.
By train: Peterborough railway station is roughly a 15-minute walk away through the city centre.
By bus: Queensgate bus station is a short walk away via the city’s pedestrianised shopping streets and Bridge Street.
Parking: Private customer parking serves West Rivergate. Restrictions and eligibility can change, so always check the signs. Car Haven council car park is also nearby.
Access: The main covered arcade has level routes from Viersen Platz. Entrances, thresholds and internal layouts can vary between individual units.
Toilets: Peterborough City Council lists disabled toilet facilities at Rivergate. Check current opening and access arrangements before travelling.
Food and drink: The centre has cafés, casual dining and takeaway options. Menus, dietary provision and opening hours differ by business.
Individual businesses: Businesses and services can change. Check directly with the relevant operator when making a special journey.
Contact: Rivergate Shopping Centre management: 01733 313743.

Shopping and markets Plan your visit

Businesses, opening hours, parking restrictions and access arrangements can change. Details correct at the time of writing, August 2026. Check current arrangements before making a special journey.

Rivergate Shopping Centre