Sheffield-based developer Henry Boot has dropped plans for a £40m shopping scheme in Burnley, Lancashire.
Henry Boot was granted planning consent last May for a 150,000 sq ft extension to the Curzon Street shopping scheme, and signed Primark and Next into 70,000 sq ft of the space. However, the developer has decided to not progress with the scheme after failing to attract other retailers.
In a statement, the council said that negotiations between the developer and a range of retailers had not led to enough companies committing to the scheme, owing in part to the existing availability of space in the town centre.
Burnley council chief executive Steve Rumbelow said: “This is very disappointing but it’s a result of circumstances outside our control. It just reflects what is happening in the economy across the whole country.
“We’ve been working with Henry Boot for some years on these plans. We’ve both done all we can to make the scheme work, but it has not been possible to finalise it. We would like to thank Henry Boot for all the work they have done and the investment they have made in time and money in trying to bring this about.”
Charlie Briggs, leader of Burnley council, added: “Whatever happens in terms of particular developments, Burnley council will keep on working hard to create opportunities. We will do all we can to ensure Burnley comes through these tough times and emerges in as strong a position as possible.”
daniel.cunningham@estatesgazette.com
