Boohoo expansion to start with 35,000 sq ft refurb

The fashion e-commerce company is embarking on a project to bring into use several empty warehouses it owns at the Heasandford Industrial Estate in Burnley.

Boohoo owns 3.1m sq ft of land and property at its distribution centre on Widow Hill Road, including the former headquarters of mining and metals manufacturer Multi Weldmesh and automotive firm TRW.

However, many of the warehouses are empty and derelict, and Boohoo last week unveiled plans to expand its operations at the site to accommodation future planned growth.

The first stage of the project will see the 35,000 sq ft Unit 1 refurbished to provide new accommodation for stock and staff, with office space on the lower floor and a canteen area, as well as new lighting, heating, racking and dock doors, a spokesperson for Boohoo told Place North West.

As Boohoo is repurposing internal space rather than building additional space, there is no need for the company to seek planning permission for the project, the spokesperson added. Works is expected to commence in the coming weeks with LPK Facilities appointed to deliver the scheme.

Decisions have yet to be made on what work other properties will undergo, such as the TRW and Multi Weldmesh sheds, Boohoo said.

Paul Corrigan, head of logistics at Boohoo, said: “Boohoo is a major UK success story…we needed to expand and relocate our global distribution centre and Burnley was the perfect location for that.

“There were plenty of reasons why we chose Burnley. The Heasandford Industrial Estate, where we are based, has plenty of potential for expansion. Ease of distribution is key and the borough sits in the heart of the UK, while also providing a skilled and varied workforce.”

Boohoo has already invested in several of the other older buildings on Widow Hill Road, including automating existing units, improving grounds maintenance, refurbishing some sheds to allow for faster distribution, conducting roof repairs and installing new signage and pedestrian turnstiles across the site.

Liam Kilbride, management director of LPK Facilities, added: “I’m really proud that LPK is involved in bringing these buildings back to life. The contribution to the local economy is fantastic and something that should be celebrated.”

“We look forward to seeing the work progress on Widow Hill Road and what expansion plans Boohoo has up its sleeve next.”