Burnley shopping centre plans approved

PLANS for a major extension to Burnley’s shopping centre have been given the go-ahead by local councillors.

Henry Boot Developments’ application to redevelop the former Pioneer car park at Curzon Street to transform it into 150,000 sq ft of new shops and cafes with 400 car parking spaces was approved by Burnley Council’s development control committee late last week.

Henry Boot has already signed up high street retailers Primark and Next to take up the two largest units in its proposed scheme – equivalent to almost half of the total available retail space. Primark is taking 50,000 sq ft and Next is taking 20,000 sq ft respectively.

The council’s chief executive, Steve Rumbelow, said that approval of the scheme, “set out a clear vision for the transformation of that part of the town centre”.

“Burnley faces stiff competition from other towns and cities and we have to offer shoppers as wide a range of shops as possible in order to bring them to Burnley to spend their money.

“Not only will this new shopping centre bring a better choice for shoppers, it will also benefit existing businesses by bringing more visitors to our town and creating new jobs.”

A spokesman for Henry Boot said the firm was “delighted” by the decision.

“This is testament to the ongoing hard work and strong partnership between Henry Boot and Burnley Council which is set to deliver positive results during these testing economic times.”