£3.3m Weavers' Triangle transformation under way

The third phase of works transforming the Weavers’ Triangle On the Banks is set to start early next month, with a £1.3m public square at Sandygate and a £2m highway and public realm improvement scheme, to create a welcoming gateway and new public spaces.

The high quality public realm and highway works will enhance the huge investment underway by Barnfield Investment Properties to transform the Weavers’ Triangle into a vibrant ‘destination’ for business, living, leisure and education, by creating an impressive public square, distinctive public areas, and improvements to traffic and pedestrian flow around the area.

Priority for pedestrian access into and around the Weavers’ Triangle from the town centre and the new Manchester Road Station will be created by providing wider pavements and a new modern footbridge across the canal.

Partners Burnley Council, Barnfield Construction and Lancashire County Council will be delivering the works, with Barnfield transforming Sandygate Square and the county council delivering the highway and public realm works. The works are being funded from the Regional Growth Fund, European Regional Development Fund and Lancashire County Council.

Works will start early March and are due be completed by September 2014 with traffic diversions in place while work is underway.

Council leader Julie Cooper said: “High quality public realm works are proven to have wider economic value, including raised demand for land and buildings in the area, increased property values and the attraction of more investment and visitors. The aim of the overall scheme is to attract new investment, jobs and visitors to the On the Banks development, and the public realm works will create distinctive public spaces for people to enjoy.

“Our ambition to create welcoming gateways into Burnley is becoming a reality. The Knowledge Quarter Princess Way gateway is a wonderful example of what can be achieved and the council will continue working in partnership with the private sector to transform Burnley and its prospects for economic growth.”

Gareth Smith, project director for the scheme on behalf of Barnfield said: “We are very pleased at the progress that has been made by all partners. The infrastructure in and around the On the Banks development is of paramount importance and whilst delivering key assets is of primary importance we cannot forget the role that good public realm and infrastructure has to play. “The development shows how true collaborative working can really benefit and bring forward socio and economic benefits for businesses and residents alike.”