Hopes for Curzon Street and Weavers' Triangle development

Burnley Council’s Executive, which meets on Monday, is recommended to appoint experts to draw up a comprehensive blueprint for the continued development of the town centre and adjoining areas.

One of the key issues around the future regeneration of the town centre is the development of the former Co-op site in Curzon Street, currently being used as a public car park.

The Executive is asked to authorise the council’s chief operating officer to take measures to find a development partner for the council-owned site.

That work will run alongside the development of the updated masterplan.

A report to the Executive said a previous masterplan had help to secure funding for a number of improvement schemes, including work in St James Street, better links between Burnley College and the town centre, and improving key road junctions.

It also featured key projects such as the new Manchester Road railway station and the On The Banks scheme.

However, that masterplan was completed 10 years ago and trends in retail and leisure, as well as the national economy, have changed significantly.

The council does not have the specialist expertise to carry out the masterplan work in-house.

Kate Ingram, the council’s head of regeneration and economic development, said: “The updated masterplan will be forward-looking and play an important part in developing and promoting Burnley town centre and Weavers’ Triangle to potential investors, as well as helping secure external funding.

“It’s a key part of ensuring that Burnley continues to have a vibrant and attractive town centre that serves residents and brings in visitors from further afield.”

It is hoped the updated plan will be completed by early next year.