DISCOUNT clothes retailer Peacocks is set to move into part of the old Woolworths store in Burnley.

The fashion giant is planning to open a shop later this year, with bosses at Charter Walk planning to split up the unit which currently houses a YMCA shop.

The charity shop was hailed as the UK’s biggest when it opened in the 16,000 sq ft unit in June but has since struggled to fill the store.

It is believed potential tenants have been shown around the unit in the past week, with Peacocks already agreeing to step in.

A spokesman for Peacocks said: “We can confirm we are to open a store in Burnley this year, but the details are yet to be finalised.”

Chris Gribben, manager of Charter Walk shopping centre, said: “It is highly likely that the unit would be split up.

“It has been up for discussion for a while now and we will be meeting again later this week.

“I would think it could be recreated as two or three units.”

Peacocks is the second major retailer to confirm plans for a store in Burnley since Christmas.

Last week HMV said it was going to make its temporary Christmas stay in the town permanent, and was in talks with Charter Walk.

Jane Oiller, manager of the YMCA store, said: “The unit is being split, but no decision has been made as to whether we will remain in one of them.”