Burnley shopping centre major revamp plans are in

The centre’s new owners, Addington Capital, have submitted the plans this week which will see the Market Square area brought into the 21st Century with a host of new modern retail units.

Work is due to start on the development early in the New Year and investors are hoping that the first of the units will be ready for Christmas 2012.

Charter Walk manager Chris Gribben was at the Clarets Store this week talking to members of public about what the plans meant for the town centre.

He believes the proposals can only be good for Burnley and also said that this type of investment boded well for the town’s future.

“It can only be positive for Burnley and I think it will go hand in hand with the Curzon Street development. I feel both schemes complement each other well.

“We’re not standing still, this is bringing us into the 21st Century and this is what the retailers and their customers are demanding.

“At the minute the investors are just looking at doing the one side but after this work is completed I’m sure they will start looking at what can be done with the rest of the site.”

The work will involve the removal of the existing outside first floor walkways and staircases where River Island, WH Smith, Superdrug and Ryman’s are currently located to create double-height units ranging in size.

The square itself will also be redeveloped to improve landscaping and the existing circular cafe building will be demolished and replaced with a new glazed cafe and kiosk.

Mr Gribben added: “It will give the overall area a more modern feel and will look a lot nicer than it does now.

“For shopping, this area of town will always see the highest footfall and it’s great that work is being done to improve it.”