Three huge brands announced for Pioneer Place

Nando’s, Starbucks and Loungers have been revealed as the first three of the five tenants that will eventually open at the development.

A spokesperson from Nando’s said: “We are excited that the news is out and we can finally share that we are coming to Burnley. Bringing all the PERi-PERi heat, we will be opening later in the year. Watch this space for more details.”

The complex, which will include a seven-screen cinema and five retail and leisure units plus a 226-space public pay-and-display car park, is set to be opened in late summer 2023.

Rumours had been circulating for some time that Nando’s was set to open in the borough. The closest Nando’s to Burnley at the moment are in Rochdale, Bury and Blackburn, so it is hoped that having a restaurant in Burnley will prove convenient for residents in the borough, as well as attract visitors from outside of the area.

The town centre economy is also expected to be boosted by encouraging people to stay longer in the town, into the later afternoon and early evening.

Burnley Council has also confirmed that Starbucks has signed up. Chief executive Mick Cartledge said: “Pioneer Place is drawing in some big names more usually found in bigger towns and cities.

“It’s a sign of confidence in our town that international chains like this are coming here. There’s a real buzz of excitement as Pioneer Place nears completion. It will bring more visitors to Burnley which can only be good news for the local economy. More people means more business for the town centre as a whole.”

A spokesperson for Café Fortune, which will operate the site, said: “As a trusted franchisee of Starbucks Coffee Company, all of us within Café Fortune share Starbucks’ passion for great coffee and warm and welcoming stores that are at the heart of their community.

“We are excited to open our new store in Burnley, and look forward to inviting customers to enjoy our iconic hand crafted beverages, each served by our friendly, expert baristas.”

Meanwhile, the Loungers group is responsible for brands such as Cosy Club and Lounge. It was founded in 2002 to create a neighbourhood café-bar, driven by an independent culture and community.

It is estimated Pioneer Place will support around 180 jobs, with a further 100-plus new jobs being created in the cinema and supporting food outlets.

The work will be carried out by the council’s development partner Maple Grove Developments, part of the Eric Wright Group.

Pioneer Place has secured funding from Burnley borough and Lancashire county councils, the Government’s Getting Building Fund administered by Lancashire Enterprise Partnership (LEP)., and fashion company and the borough’s largest employer boohoo.

It forms part of a wider town centre masterplan to attract millions of pounds of investment into boosting Burnley town centre. It follows recent investment in improvements to the town centre, the creation of a Heritage Action Zone, and the council’s purchase of Charter Walk shopping centre to help secure its future.