Boohoo submits plan to build factory, education centre in Leicester

By

Nigel TAYLOR

Published
Mar 9, 2021

Under pressure over some of its supply chain practices, Boohoo delivered some possibly positive news on that front Tuesday.

The fast fashion online retailer, which is facing allegations over poor working conditions and pay at some contracted producers, has submitted plans to open its own factory.

The proposals include an office, factory, warehousing and an education centre on the site of a former car showroom in Thurmaston Lane, Leicester. 

Pointedly, Boohoo said it hoped the project would "restore and promote" the city's reputation within the textile industry. Last year, it was claimed a Leicester factory contracted to make its Nasty Gal branded products paid its workers poorly and conditions there were deemed sub-standard.

In a planning application submitted to Leicester City Council this month, Boohoo said it hoped to "rejuvenate" the "rundown" site, create jobs and build "belief in the ‘Made in Britain’ stamp once again”.

The application said the retailer aims to help "create a sustainable infrastructure for the UK's fashion industry, centred in Leicester, that will continue to provide secure jobs to skilled workers, and a self-sustaining, transparent support and logistics network for suppliers and customers”.

As part of the plans, the Manchester-based retailer will also open an education centre with "industry-led educational programmes”. It will also include space for local fashion students to showcase their work.

A Boohoo spokesman told the BBC the site would employ 95 people. He added: "The factory will be an example of best practice in garment manufacturing and we are working with many local stakeholders to ensure that the site adds value to the local community, beyond creating good quality new jobs for local people”.