Work expected to start on Burnley's 'fantastic' Pioneer Place this summer

Neil Hart, who is also chair of public/private sector initiative Burnley Bondholders, commented after the news that a revised application for the scheme had been submitted to Burnley COuncil.

The £21.3 million development, which will deliver 180 construction jobs, 120 new jobs and £1.35 million gross value added to the local economy, will include a seven-screen cinema and 12,750 sq. ft. of leisure and retail space.

This will all be centred around a new public realm.

Mr Hart told Burnley.co.uk: “Pioneer Place will be a fantastic leisure attraction for residents in the town, Burnley FC fans from far and wide who come to home matches and of course, football fans who travel to Burnley for away matches.

“Burnley is fairly unique in that it has a Premier League club with a town centre presence. Turf Moor is easily accessible by car, public transport and by foot from the town centre, which includes the Pioneer Place site.

“This means, in normal times, football fans travelling to and from Turf Moor can explore our town centre’s shops, restaurants and bars, many of which are independent, as well as the new offering from Pioneer Place. The club is proud of what Burnley has to offer and we’d always recommend visitors make a long weekend of our town.

"From attractions such as Towneley and Gawthorpe Halls (the latter of which is where our training ground is based), the Singing Ringing Tree and the luxury Crow Wood Hotel and Spa, there’s plenty to see and do here.”