A NEW multi-million Burnley shopping centre has been delayed again - but developers are still optimistic.

Bosses behind the £70million Oval development, due to be built in Curzon Street, revealed last month they hoped to have two “prominent” retailers signed up by the end of January.

However, Henry Boot, which is building the shopping centre, now says it expects to have contracts signed by late February instead.

It is understood developers have been in talks since last summer with representatives from Primark and Next about moving into two ‘anchor’ units at the Oval.

Yesterday ((MON)), a spokesman for Manchester-based Henry Boot said: “It is still the same as it was last month and we are still waiting for two retailers to sign up.

“However, it should be done within the next few weeks.”

The Lancashire Telegraph revealed last month that Next and Primark were poised to sign up to the Oval following lengthy discussions with developers.

Securing the two High Street giants in a time of economic uncertainty is seen as a major coup for Burnley.

The two large units could create as many as 200 jobs for the town at a time when Burnley’s large Woolworths store has recently closed and Mercers, Blackburn’s oldest store, announced its closure.

Burnley Council leader Gordon Birtwistle said the prospect of two big-name retailers signing up to the Oval was “brilliant” news for the town.

Henry Boot has refused to confirm it is in talks with Next and Primark, saying it will only comment once retailers are signed up.

Primark said talks over moving into the Oval were “ongoing”. Next was unavailable for comment.