COUNCIL bosses have confirmed that a new development partner is being sought for the former Pioneer Co-op site in Burnley.

The Lancashire Telegraph revealed in January how the land off Curzon Street, coupled with the soon-to-be demolished open market and Studio 123 Cinema locations, still represented a ‘huge opportunity’ for would-be investors.

Now town halls chiefs are preparing to spend £130,000 on a town centre ‘masterplan’ and finding a development partner for the old Pioneer land.

Proposals were drawn up with London-based Terrace Hill for a cinema and retail development in 2014 but no planning application ever followed and a development agreement with them is now said to have lapsed.

Kate Ingram, head of regeneration and economic development, said in an executive report: “The main development opportunity within the town centre is the council owned Curzon Street site, where there is an opportunity for a leisure-led development scheme.”

The masterplan would also include Weaver’s Triangle and be set against the backdrop of the £3million refurbishment of St James Street, upgrade of Charter Walk and improved Burnley Manchester Road rail station.

Any successful bidder will need to consider how to expand leisure opportunities, promote town centre living in older office premises and the future of Burnley’s main civic buildings, as well as devising a car parking strategy.

Borough council coffers will contribute £60,000 towards the masterplan, with £20,000 coming from the One Public Estate programme and £20,000 from the Homes and Communities Agency. If a further £20,000 is secured from Lancashire County Council then the borough’s offering will drop.

The £30,000 for the development partner will be delivered from regeneration reserves.

Cllr Sue Graham, executive member for regeneration and economic development, said: “There are a lot of changes happening with the demolition of the old open market and the former cinema so there is going to be much more opportunity to look for something different in that area.”

Councillors have not ruled out offices replacing the large car park on the former Thompson Centre site, off Place de Vitry. A new Primark store in Charter Walk opens later this year.