BDP revisits Burnley plan
Burnley Council and its key stakeholders the University of Central Lancashire and Burnley FC have appointed the architect as lead consultant for the development of the town centre and the adjoining Weavers’ Triangle.
BDP, which beat 15 competitors to win the £100,000 contract, also led Burnley’s previous masterplan in 2005.
This set the context for much of the progress made in the Lancashire town during the last decade, helping to secure funding for the Manchester Road railway station and public realm improvements.
Other key schemes have included Burnley’s Knowledge Quarter, incorporating UCLan and Burnley College campuses and Trebor Developments’ Vision Park, the first phase of which will be ready to occupy in October.
The On the Banks area, where the council has worked in partnership with Barnfield Construction, has also moved forward since the last masterplan.
In March, Burnley published its Local Plan Proposed Submission Document, which brought up once again the prospect of development in Curzon Street, where plans by Henry Boot to develop a £40m scheme were dropped in 2012. Procurement started in June for an £18m retail and leisure scheme at the 3-7-acre site.
The authority also hopes the Local Plan will help revitalise the housing market, setting a target for the 20-year period to 2032 to deliver 4,180 additional dwellings, equating to an average of 209 per year.
Leader of the council, Cllr Mark Townsend, said: “A key part of the borough’s growth strategy is to enhance the town centre offer, which is a significant retail, leisure, service and learning centre for much of Pennine Lancashire.
“The new masterplan will develop a focussed strategy to promote the ongoing potential in Burnley’s town centre, unlock further development, attract new businesses and residential development and help to secure external funding to fund the next phase of plans.
“Burnley has a reputation for getting things done and has a strong package to offer investors. We are growing above national trends.”
Commercial agent BE Group and transport planner Urban Flow will work with BDP. A formal launch of the masterplan is expected to take place early in 2018.
