Burnley town centre's Pioneer Place development given cash boost

The news follows the Prime Minister’s New Deal for Britain, announced in June, where £900m. of funding was announced for ‘shovel ready’ local development proposals which would create jobs and kick-start economic growth.

The Pioneer Place development includes plans for Reel Cinema to be relocated to the town centre, alongside new food outlets and additional retail space.

It forms an important part of Burnley’s long term growth plan, creating an attractive space for businesses to locate and residents to visit.

Only last week, the future of the scheme appeared in jeopardy with Burnley Council Executive member for regeneration and economic development Coun. Gordon Birtwistle admitting they could be looking at a smaller project, at least initially, as a result of Covid-19.

Since the announcement of the PM’s New Deal Antony said he had been lobbying Government publicly and privately and was delighted by the news that it had been successful.

“I was elected on a clear promise to give Burnley a voice in Parliament and secure the extra investment from Government that would bring. I’m therefore delighted that after some quite intense lobbying the Government has recognised the potential our town has and provided this funding.

“This scheme will benefit the whole borough, creating a place where businesses want to locate, and people want to visit. I’m looking forward to seeing the Council move the scheme forward and get shovels in the ground so we can regenerate the centre."

Also commenting, Communities Secretary Robert Jenrick said: “As we get Britain building we are also laying the foundations for a green economic recovery by investing in vital infrastructure for local communities, creating jobs and building environmentally-friendly homes with a huge £1.3 billion investment announced today.”

“This Government is determined to level up all parts of the country and this funding will not only give a much-needed boost to our economic recovery, it will help build the good quality, affordable homes the country needs.”