There had been huge concerns the flagship store might close leading to a 2908 strong signature petition and local MP Daniel Zeichner writing to store bosses to explain the strength of Cambridge feeling.
Reacting with delight Cllr Lewis Herbert said: “Thank you to everyone who signed our petition and helped save John Lewis. This is great news. I know from the spending members of my family just how often they like to go into John Lewis and value the variety and quality products on sale. Fifteen years ago, the Council worked closely with John Lewis to ensure there was a modernised, anchor store in the heart of the city and that the legacy of Robert Sayle would live on.
"Throughout the three lockdowns I, and my Labour councillor colleagues, have worked hard to ensure that as many retail jobs were protected and now we are making the city centre as welcoming and safe as possible for 12 April. I have a feeling it’s going to be a bit like a cork coming out of a bottle, when shops do re-open, there is pent up demand there. I’m so pleased John Lewis will be a part of this, otherwise we would have been left with a huge hole to fill.”
Daniel Zeichner MP said: "Excellent news! John Lewis is a store that is loved by so many in the city. This is good news for staff, shoppers and Cambridge as a whole to help secure future prosperity as we rebuild as lockdown eases."