New retail signings for Burnley

Charter Walk shopping centre has secured leases with major high street retailers River Island, CEX and WHSmith.

River Island agreed a 10-year lease for 11,300 sq ft, which will form part of the Market Square redevelopment proposals.

WHSmith will relocate in early 2013 from its existing Market Square unit to a 4,500 sq ft store at 51 The Mall, also on a 10-year lease.

Entertainment exchange retailer CEX agreed a 10-year lease at 41 St James Street – due to open this month – whilst Textiles Direct have relocated to the former Currys unit in Market Square.

Fashion retailer Monsoon signed a five-year lease renewal on its Mall store, and Game signed a five-year lease renewal on its St James Street store.

Advanced discussions are underway with national retailers for the remaining two retail units, with an announcement expected shortly.

The host of signings follows an announcement made earlier this year by Addington Capital, asset managers of Charter Walk, that Next is scheduled to open its new 20,000 sq ft store in Burnley town centre in December.

Patrick Keenan, joint letting agent at Lunson Mitchenall, said: "The recent signings demonstrate the renewed and growing confidence retailers have in Burnley, and demonstrate the positive direction Charter Walk is moving towards."

Cllr Julie Cooper, leader of Burnley Council, said: "We are working hard to increase footfall in the town centre in these difficult trading conditions and the best way to do that is to get better shops."

Steve Rumbelow, chief executive of Burnley Council, said: "We have a great working relationship with Addington Capital who have worked really hard to develop the town centre. Together we will continue to drive an improved shopping offer."

Tushingham Moore and Lunson Mitchenall are joint letting agents for Charter Walk