Development at old Burberry plant brings job to Wales

A £3.6m redevelopment project at a former Burberry plant in Rhondda could open up hundreds of jobs in Wales.

The clothing company shut its doors over two years ago, resulting in a loss of 300 jobs. Now, a business centre is to be constructed at the site by Robert Kearns and Michael Henderson.

The two businessmen have received partial funding for the project from the Convergence European Regional Development Fund and the Heads of the Valleys programme. 

Former Burberry employee and board member on the Rhondda Trust Joan Young welcomed the news.

"I can't see sewing jobs coming back there again but any sort of employment would be welcome.

"As long as it's jobs - I can't even say well-paid jobs because we were only on minimum wage at the factory. Smaller units may be better than a large factory trying to offer 300 jobs. The youngsters need to find jobs when they leave school," she told BBC News. 

Mr. Kearns said he and his partner were “confident” that smaller units with shorter tenancy options and competitive rates would attract a range of local businesses to the site.

Redevelopment work at the site begins in December.