DEVELOPERS say they can transform Burnley's former Prestige factory site into one of the region's leading shopping destinations, if council planners give the go-ahead next month.

Midlands-based Castlemore Securities Ltd say their multi-million pound plans for the major Colne Road site would attract top retailers and make Burnley a magnet for visitors.

But the developers, who estimate at least 600 new jobs would be created, face stiff competition, with at least one other company ready to put forward its own proposals for the sprawling site.

Castlemore's proposals could include the creation of up to eight major retail warehouse-size units.

A restaurant and large areas of new office space are also included in the re-vamp plan, hammered out in talks between the company and council chiefs.

A major factor in just what goes on the Prestige land will be the impact it would have on the town centre.

Castlemore believe their scheme will be good for all the town.

Development director Patrick Power, said: "We recognise that this site has played an enormous role in the lives of thousands of Burnley residents over the years and we would hope that in this changing economic environment the Prestige Retail Park which we intend to create would, once more, provide fresh, sustainable employment opportunities and inject some valuable capital into the local economy."

The company say the position of the development, so close to Burnley's shopping core would enable the town centre to attract substantial inward investment from quality operators, who are also major employers.

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