ONE of East Lancashire’s best known mill shops is moving to make way for the expansion of a marina.

Bosses at Barden Mill in Burnley have announced that the store is relocating to Pendle Village Mill outlet in Brierfield after a merger was agreed.

The decision was announced on Friday after two years of talks between the mill stores, in order to allow an expansion of Reedley Marina, owned by Barden Mill.

The merger will see retail from the 40,000sq ft store in Barden Lane relocated to the Pendle Village Mill site at Junction 12 on the M65, over the coming weeks, while the remained of the stock will be sold off.

Pendle Village Mill is planned to be renamed to incorporate the name Barden Mill.

Barden Mill boss Jason Fildes said: “We are extremely excited about the merger, both mills have very similar customer profiles however we both have different concessions that we can bring together to strengthen the other. It made perfect sense to utilise the space that Pendle Village Mill.

“The decision has also been made as we wanted to expand the marina to create another 78 berths, and are looking at the possibility of doing something else to strengthen the marina in the future.

“All the popular concessions like Musbury Fabrics, Hotter Shoes, Shades and Shadows Lighting, Bennett's Gifts, Whittakers Schoolwear, to name a few, will be relocating to Pendle Village.

“We see this is a positive move and can only serve to improve business for all concerned.”

Mandi Penrose, store manager at Pendle Village Mill said: “Talks have been going on for two years after the marina took off at Barden Mill. All the contracts have been signed and the old stock at Barden Mill is being sold off. We have released warehouse space and the old cafe will be used to house the new concessions which Barden Mill will be bringing.

“As we have some of the same concessions we will be expanding the ones we have already in store.

“Because of Pendle Village’s strong identity as a Carpet and Furniture specialist, and Barden Mill’s massive reputation for Clothing and home furnishings, it made perfect sense to merge these elements and make, what we consider to be the area’s best Mill Store Shopping experience.”

Bosses are currently unable to comment on how many members of staff will make the move to Pendle Village Mill. The move is expected to be completed by May. A relocation sale is to start on Friday.