A TOY store is set to complete the new-look Market Square in Burnley following a £3 million investment initiative, the Lancashire Telegraph can reveal.

The Entertainer is set to join River Island and New Look as tenants for the revamped eastern end of the square at the Charter Walk shopping centre, it has been confirmed.

MORE TOP STORIES:

Burnley will join Oldham and Torquay, Devon, in the latest wave of store openings for the Buckinghamshire-based chain, founded by Gary and Catherine Grant in 1981.

An expected opening has been scheduled for July. Recruitment has already begun for supervisors and shop-floor staff.

The toy retailer opened its 100th branch this year — in Amersham, Buckinghamshire — and was named in the top 100 companies to work for by The Sunday Times last March.

Chris Gribben, manager of Charter Walk, said: “We welcome the proposed opening of The Entertainer as it will offer something a little bit different for Burnley town centre.

“It also completes the Market Square development and we believe this can only be a positive benefit in bringing increased footfall to Burnley town centre.”

Mr Gribben confirmed that a new tenant has been secured for a significant unit on the western side of Market Square.

Once occupied by Original Clothing Supplies, it has had a number of tenants, and is due to be brought back into use in a few weeks after a refit.

Plans are progressing for the £3 million revamp for St James Street nearby, which may involve the relocation of the bandstand to a local park.

Results of a study into the long-term future of Burnley Market are due to be disclosed to traders and councillors this year.