Over 250 new jobs could be created in Hyndburn following the release of plans, by developer The Peel Group, for a £16 million improvement programme at Whitebirk Retail Park.
The plans would see the refurbishment and modernisation of units across the park, including the subdivision of larger units to create exciting new retail opportunities, as well as improved car parking and pedestrian routes, additional access off Whitebirk Drive and comprehensive landscaping, lighting and CCTV.
The Peel Group has for the last few weeks been asking local residents what they think of the improvement plans for Whitebirk and the overwhelming majority have expressed their wholehearted support for an improved retail park with a better selection of retailers. Over 10,000 newsletters, with an attached return comments form, were issued to Blackburn and Hyndburn residents and of those who have responded a staggering 95% support the improvement plans.
Residents were also asked what types of new stores they would like to see and would use in the future. Fashion and footwear is the most requested store type with 80% of respondents wanting to see retailers of this kind at Whitebirk, followed by a department store (79%) and a restaurant and or cafe (73.5%).
A Peel spokesperson said: “This is an important development for Hyndburn in terms of job creation, as well as securing a healthy future for Whitebirk Retail Park. Hyndburn residents deserve to have the same opportunities and choice as those living in other nearby towns, and we are pleased that local shoppers overwhelmingly agree.”
He added, “The local community have made their feelings known. They have told us in no uncertain terms that they want to see a better selection of retailers at this local retail park and we are excited at the prospect of delivering the types of stores they wish to see and use at Whitebirk”.
Over the years, Whitebirk has seen a steady decline in the number of retailer operators on the site, as well as a general loss in custom. Studies have shown that large numbers of local people continue to travel beyond Blackburn and Accrington to shop at more modern retail parks in Preston, Bolton and further afield. The competition continues to improve and these retail parks are able to offer a better environment and an ever increasing wider range of retailers. However, the proposed improvements to Whitebirk Retail Park would seek to address this imbalance, providing substantial economic benefits for the Borough, as well as an improved shopping choice for local people.
The Peel Group has secured a number of planning permissions from Hyndburn Borough Council for all the proposed improvements and are now about to seek from the Council confirmation that these new kinds of retailers can come to the park. The process involved is a straightforward one which should normally be take no more than 8 weeks, following which, rapid progress can be made to ensure early delivery of investment, job opportunities and an improved retail offer for the Borough.