Retail giant outlines plans for huge new HQ next to major motorway to ‘rival Facebook, Google and Nike’
Fashion retail giant JD Sports has revealed updated plans for a 'campus' headquarters in Bury[1] - which bosses say will 'rival Facebook, Google and Nike'. The proposed development at Pilsworth, close to the M66 includes an all weather[2] sports pitch, running tack and padel court for employees and guests to enjoy. Outline plans for the campus were given the go ahead in 2023 and new road access and car parking off Pilsworth Way and Hollins Brook Road have been completed.
JD Sports have previously said they needed to invest millions into the working environment in Bury to 'attract talent' to work for them and rival the facilities provided by global brands and tech firms. Bury Council's planning committee will consider detailed plans for 'phase two' of the project next week. The new hub for workers would be a three-storey building to provide a 'central office' incorporating offices, gym, restaurant, cafe, meeting rooms, training facilities and presentation theatre with outdoor terraces.
The building would have two wings joined by a central atrium and connected at the first and second floors by a bridge to provide circulation between the two areas. It would have capacity for around 2,000 workers. Nearby, sports facilities including a multi-purpose all weather pitch and circular running track would be built.
The latest plans have reduced the size of the building from four-storeys to three and previously approved plans for an employee creche have now been dropped. The current headquarters of JD Sports operates out of three buildings on the Pilsworth Road site where they employ around 1,300 people. That makes the firm one of the largest employers in Bury.
JD Sports hope the building and associated facilities will help attract workers
When the outline plans were approved for the project the he sports and leisure firm described the creation of the campus as 'a pinnacle moment in our company's history'.
A design and access report in support of the latest plans, said: "The business is seeking to work with their employees to improve staff retention.
"JD recognise the need to update and improve on the benefits that the business provides for employees. "The requirements include an improved food and beverage offer on site, gym and recreation facilities, training environments and collaborative working spaces."
The planning committee meeting will decide on the application on Tuesday, January 28.