March 2025

Discover Burnley's Second Term Win, Upcoming Investment, Shopping Centre Expansion and lots more

It's a YES for Burnley BID Second Term!

Thanks to your backing, Burnley BID has secured a second five-year term with 81% voting in favour—unlocking £1.5m of investment to continue enhancing our town until 2030.

With a strong turnout and an expanded BID footprint, we’re set to deliver even more:
✅ Bigger, high-quality events like Burnley Live & Christmas Lights Switch-On
✅ Enhanced marketing through Discover Burnley to attract visitors
✅ Strengthened safety & security measures
✅ Initiatives to boost the evening economy
✅ Business support, training & networking

Together, we’re building a stronger, more resilient Burnley! Thank you for your continued support.

Burnley Secures £1.6M UKSPF Investment for Growth

Burnley Council is set to approve a £1.6m UK Shared Prosperity Fund investment plan—driving business growth, job creation, and community well-being.

This funding extension will:

• Build on successful initiatives supporting businesses & residents
• Foster local economic growth & job opportunities
• Enhance community health & well-being projects
• Strengthen collaboration with local partners for lasting impact

Councillor Lubna Khan, Executive Member for Economy and Growth, said: “This funding is fantastic news for Burnley. It allows us to continue investing in our communities, supporting businesses, and providing opportunities for residents. By working with local partners, we will ensure this funding has a real and lasting impact."

Project delivery begins later this year—ensuring Burnley thrives!

JD Sports Expands in Burnley – A Major Boost for the Town Centre!

Exciting news—JD Sports is expanding and relocating within Charter Walk, moving into a larger, modern 5,817 sq ft store at 30-34 The Mall & 6-10 Fleet Walk. Set to open in Summer 2025, this move enhances Burnley’s retail scene and strengthens its status as a thriving shopping destination.

The relocation of JD Sports follows a series of retailer expansions within Charter Walk, including Specsavers, Shoezone and the opening of One Beyond in the former Wilko’s unit. 

With ongoing regeneration projects like Pioneer Place and heritage upgrades, Burnley’s high street continues to flourish. Make sure to stay tuned for more exciting developments.

It's a Triple Celebration for Labels for Cares

February is a milestone month for Burnley-based charity Labels for Cares, as it marks:
🎉 Five years of fundraising success – Over £325,000 raised to support early cancer diagnoses across Lancashire.
🏆 Red Rose Award shortlist – Recognised in the Not-for-Profit category alongside incredible organisations like North West Air Ambulance and Lancashire Mind.
🎗️ A groundbreaking NHS donation – £250,000 towards a cutting-edge endoscopy unit at Royal Blackburn Teaching Hospital, the UK’s first of its kind.

Co-founder Anthony Fairclough shared: “We’re incredibly proud of everything we’ve achieved so far, and we have no intention of slowing down! As we celebrate five successful years of Labels for Cares, and many thousands of potentially life-saving scans already carried out, we are delighted to have been named among the finalists of the Red Rose Business Awards."

With two charity shops in Burnley and The Wellsprings restaurant, Labels for Cares offers designer fashion at unbeatable prices—all while funding vital cancer diagnosis and treatment.

Mark Your Calendars - We've Set the Date for Burnley Live 2025

A weekend of music, dance and community spirit is set to return to town this year!

Burnley Live, which was first held in 2023, is back from Friday 2nd to Monday 5th May, and will feature performances from local singers and bands across a range of the town's venues.

Last year’s event saw thousands descend on Burnley for fun, entertainment, and show-stopping sounds, and now we’re aiming to make it even bigger and better for 2025!

Over the coming weeks and months, we will be revealing more details about the event and who is taking part, so make sure you keep checking in for the latest information.

Please inform Burnley BID Project Manager, Laura Diffey, if you are intending to host entertainment over the weekend and we can include you in the promotion of the event. If you'd prefer to offer a Discover Burnley Live deal or discount, we can also promote this.

You can contact Laura at Laura.Diffey@groundwork.org.uk.

Crime and Policing Bill 

The new Crime and Policing Bill was introduced in Parliament on 25 February 2025, it aims to tackle serious violence, antisocial behaviour, and crime affecting our communities. Key measures outlined include:

• Stronger action on crime & ASB – Respect orders for persistent offenders, tougher penalties for shop theft, and new offences like assaulting retail workers.

• Enhanced police powers – More drug testing on arrest, new search powers for stolen goods, and greater access to criminal databases.

• Support for victims & vulnerable groups – Tougher stalking protections, new offences for spiking and child exploitation, and stricter sex offender management.

• Increased security measures – New laws against SIM farms, vehicle theft devices, and expanded counterterrorism powers.

This bill aligns with the Government’s Safer Streets Mission to halve knife crime and violence against women and girls within a decade.

Find out more: Crime and Policing Bill 2025

Showcase Your Business on Discover Burnley 

Want to reach thousands of potential customers? Let us capture video and photography content for your business and feature it on the Discover Burnley social media channels—completely free for BID members!

The results speak for themselves:
📢 A February video post spotlighting family-run café, Continentals, hit over 50K views on Facebook alone.
🥧 A British Pie Week feature showcasing Haffners Pies & Butchers soared past 58K views!

Social media is a powerful tool for small businesses and organisations, driving engagement, footfall, and brand awareness. Don’t miss out—invite us in, and let’s share your story with Burnley and beyond!

📩 Get in touch today to book your free feature with our Social Media and PR team, email Anoushka at marketing@discoverburnley.co.uk. 

We'd also like to remind all businesses to utilise the Discover Burnley website, where you can upload your own event listings and guarantee online exposure. 

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