RETAIL giant Next is set to open a huge store in Burnley’s new £70million shopping centre, it can be revealed.

The Lancashire Telegraph has learned that the high street favourite is looking to expand from its current premises in The Mall.

And bosses are now in talks with developers about joining budget retailer Primark in the Oval shopping centre’s two ‘anchor’ stores.

The development is set to be built by Manchester-based Henry Boot on the town’s former Pioneer site, off Curzon Street.

News of Next’s interest in expanding has been hailed as “wonderful” by Burnley’s council leader and a prominent trader has also welcomed the talks.

Gordon Birtwistle, leader of Burnley Council, said: “If Next does move in, it would be excellent news.

“It is a superb company which is doing very well and I understand the current Burnley store is one of the best performing in the country.

“Next has also got a store further up the M65 at Boundary Mill so to open a new large store in Burnley shows it must have confidence in the town.

“We are suffering with the credit crunch at the moment but people have still got a few quid in their pockets and wonderful news like this obviously bucks the trend.”

Burnley Chamber of Trade president George Heys added: “Any investment in the town is good and it will make Burnley more attractive to outsiders too.

“The credit crunch will not last forever and news like this shows people want to shop.”

The developers’ talks with Next come after the Lancashire Telegraph revealed in July that Primark is set to move into Burnley and occupy one of the Oval’s anchor stores.

Henry Boot has admitted it is in talks with “six prominent retailers” but refused to name them after Debenhams last year pulled out of the development fearing a Burnley store would harm its Blackburn premises.

A Next spokesman said: “Next is keen to secure larger premises within Burnley and is in negotiations with the developer of The Oval.

“Whilst I can confirm that negotiations are ongoing, I am not in a position to comment further.”

Henry Boot refused to comment.