Job fears in Shirebrook as Sports Direct eyes new headquarters 70 miles away in Warwickshire

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Sports Direct could scrap its headquarters in Shirebook after plans aiming to future-proof the business were unveiled by its parent company – sparking fears from concerned workers about the future of their roles.

The retail giant has been based on Meadow Lane, Shirebrook – the former site of Shirebrook Colliery – since 2005, but is reportedly keen to create a global headquarters.

Parent company Frasers Group, which also runs Flannels and USC, has confirmed to the BBC it was ‘exploring options’ for a new Sports Direct site.

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It has outlined plans for a development by Junction 2 of the M6, on the edge of Coventry, featuring a multi-million-pound distribution hub with a new head office, retail space, a hotel, restaurant and conference facilities.

The Sports Direct headquarters in Shirebrook.The Sports Direct headquarters in Shirebrook.
The Sports Direct headquarters in Shirebrook.

It is hoped the site will be up and running by 2029.

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A Frasers Group spokesman told the BBC: "To accelerate the business’ growth and support our future, we are exploring options for a potential new site.

“The proposals remain subject to a planning process and, if approved, would take a significant number of years to complete.

“The current headquarters in Shirebrook has a lease that runs until 2034.”

However, a staff member at Shirebrook, where about 4,000 people are employed, said many workers were concerned about the future of their jobs.

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