Major shopping and leisure development in Burnley town centre to receive financial support package from council

A meeting of the full council on Wednesday agreed a recommendation from the authority’s executive committee to provide support to enable the project to go ahead.

Plans to create an eight-screen cinema, together with supporting restaurants and car parking, on the former Pioneer site in Curzon Street were approved in 2018.

Due to the current challenging market conditions a revised, phased scheme has been developed, with the initial phase comprising an eight-screen cinema and five restaurants.

It is envisaged that work to prepare the site for construction could begin in the summer next year with the revised scheme being completed by spring, 2023.

Council leader Coun. Mark Townsend said: “This is a positive vote of confidence in Burnley’s future as a thriving centre with attractive shopping on offer during the day and a vibrant night-time economy.

“It’s about planning for a better future and part of wider work to prepare the way for business recovery post covid.”

Coun. Asif Raja, executive member for economy and growth, said: “The town centre has seen a number of improvements in recent years; the investment in the pedestrianised area and the current work to expand that into lower St James’ Street, plus the successful Heritage Action Zone bid to create an arts and cultural quarter.

“A multi-screen cinema and new restaurants will benefit residents and help draw in even more people and boost the wider town centre economy.

"It also fits perfectly with our expanding student population.”

Karen Hirst, managing director for developers Maple Grove Developments, the announcement of the funding support was 'great news' and the company looked forward to working in partnership with the council to develop the project.

She said: “The project on the former Pioneer site will be a significant addition to the town’s night time economy offer and will support the council’s strategy to grow the wider town centre.”

It is estimated the construction of the development would support around 180 jobs, with a further 100-plus new jobs being created in the cinema and supporting food outlets.

The scheme has already secured £3 million from Lancashire County Council and a further £3.6 million

from the Lancashire Enterprise Partnership (LEP), subject to financial business case approval.

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