Boohoo hub in Burnley goes on the market with loss of 1,251 jobs as Debenhams Group makes shift to Yorkshire
The former Boohoo hub in Burnley has gone on the market as the fashion brand - now known as Debenhams Group - shifts to South Yorkshire.
The huge distribtion site, set over three units and set in 16 acres in Heasandford Industrial Estate off Widdow Hill Road, is being marketed by agent DTRE, for sale or lease. The price has not been publicly revealed.
The agent says it has “significant potential for future asset management and value creation” and is offered with vacant possession or short-term lease back to Boohoo Group PLC.
It comes after the Debenhams Group announced last summer it would move from Burnley to Sheffield to save money - with 1,251 jobs to be lost in Lancashire. No time frame was given for the transition apart from “early 2026”. The closure has now been confirmed as the end of February.
At the time, Amanda Bailey-Coll, Usdaw regional secretary for the North West, said members were “shocked and devastated” by the announcement. It has been one of the largest private sector employers in the area, leading Burnley authorities to call the decision “devastating” for the town.
What did Debenhams Group say?
The Group has been contacted for comment on news of the site going up for sale, and confirmed it would close “at the end of this month”. No comment on jobs has been made.
Last summer, a spokesperson said: “Following a strategic review, we are proposing the potential closure of our Burnley distribution centre in early 2026, with operations gradually transferring to Sheffield, which could offer greater capacity and efficiencies.
“This is not a proposal we put forward lightly, but we believe it may be important for the long-term health of the business and for delivering our new strategy.
“Consultation with Burnley colleagues has begun, and as part of this process, we will carefully consider feedback and explore opportunities for colleagues to remain with the business.
“We will not comment further while the consultation is ongoing.”
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