New store planned for former Co-op

Yorkshire company W Boyes has applied to open a new store in Padiham's former Co-op supermarket.

The company, which sells a range of goods including home and furniture, garden accessories and clothing, has submitted the application to Burnley Borough Council.

Boyes is looking to expand into Lancashire having recently opened a store in Royton, near Oldham.

Padiham Town Council, one of the consultative bodies for Burnley Council planning applications, this week responded positively to the proposals for modifications to the building including a new disabled access.

Mayor of Padiham Coun. Jean Cunningham said: “Let’s hope for a swift resolution and a new retail outlet which creates jobs, finds its place in Padiham’s shopping offer, and brings more trade to the town.”

The application is first sign of a way forward on a prominent empty building which has been causing concern since the Co-op left.

While Padiham Town Council has no influence on the commercial decisions of the companies concerned, and no doubt there will be interest in how the new company would fit into Padiham’s existing retail offer, it is possible that other commercial and planning decisions may need to be made before real progress can develop.

Boyes dates back to 1881 when William Boyes opened a small store in Eastborough, Scarborough, selling odd lots and remnants from merchants.

Today W Boyes and Co Ltd operate more than 50 stores throughout Yorkshire, the North East, Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire and Leicestershire.

Padiham’s Co-op store closed in June, 2014, after trading in the town for more than 100 years.

The closure came barely 18 months after Tesco opened an £11m. supermarket next door.