Stunning images show NEW vision for Burnley's multi-million pound Pioneer Place development

Plans for Burnley town centre's highly anticipated Pioneer Place development have undergone a transformation.
Pioneer Development will boast a cinema, five restaurant/retail units and car parking space for more than 200 vehiclesPioneer Development will boast a cinema, five restaurant/retail units and car parking space for more than 200 vehicles
Pioneer Development will boast a cinema, five restaurant/retail units and car parking space for more than 200 vehicles

In a revised application, submitted to Burnley Council, the original development now looks set to be a scaled back version with less leisure units due ongoing economic uncertainty.

Plans to create an eight-screen cinema, together with seven restaurants and two shops, on the former Pioneer car park site in Curzon Street, were approved early last year.

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However due to budget constraints, the updated scheme will now see Reel Cinema accompanied by five restaurant/retail units.

Artist's impression of how the revised Pioneer Place development will lookArtist's impression of how the revised Pioneer Place development will look
Artist's impression of how the revised Pioneer Place development will look

There will also be two customer car parks, comprising 157 and 22 spaces, along with a temporary 100-space car park which has been earmarked for future development.

The design and access statement, which has been created by AEW Architects & Designers on behalf of Maple Grove Developments, reads: "The client’s aspiration is to create a leisure-led mixed use development with a standalone cinema unit and multiple smaller units providing opportunity for local businesses and family-oriented facilities such as restaurants and cafes.

"The smaller units will also be suited to small scale retail providing future flexibility."

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Key deign principles listed in the design statement include "raising the profile of Burnley town centre as a leisure destination/night time economy, introducing a development of modern

Aerial shot of where the development is to be locatedAerial shot of where the development is to be located
Aerial shot of where the development is to be located

architectural design and providing a new public square".

The report adds: "It has been identified that the restaurant and leisure sectors are areas within Burnley that have room to expand.

"The inclusion of larger national restaurant and leisure facilities will attract more visitors to Burnley, potentially introducing a vibrant night time economy."

It is estimated the development would support around 100-plus new jobs in the cinema and supporting outlets.

Pioneer Place site layoutPioneer Place site layout
Pioneer Place site layout
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If given the green light, the scheme has already secured £3 million from Lancashire County Council, and a further £3.6 million from the Lancashire Enterprise Partnership, subject to financial business case approval.

Burnley council would borrow money to help cover the remainder of the cost of the development and recover this from rental income.

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