Sports Direct could quit current Derbyshire headquarters

The company's base has been in Shirebrook, Derbyshire

Sports Direct could quit its current Derbyshire headquarters in the long-term under major plans unveiled by its parent company.

The sports retail giant is currently based at Shirebrook but Frasers Group wants create a new global HQ in the West Midlands.

Frasers Group confirmed it was "exploring options" for a new Sports Direct site.

The Shirebrook site was sold in 2019 but Sports Direct's lease runs to 2034.

Frasers Group, which also runs Flannels and USC among several other brands, has outlined plans for a massive development by Junction 2 of the M6 on the edge of Coventry.

Planning documents sent to Rugby Borough Council set out out its ambition to build a multi-million pound distribution hub with a new head office, retail space, a hotel, restaurant and conference facilities.

It also proposes a halls of residence and a helipad.

The documents say, subject to planning permission being granted, the construction of the new West Midlands base could be complete by 2029.

Sports Direct in Shirebrook

• The site was first opened in 2013

• Approximately 4,000 people work there

• The main warehouse is the length of 13 Olympic swimming pools

• A BBC investigation in 2015 found ambulances were called out to the site 76 times in the space of two years

• A deal with a Malaysian pension fund in 2019 raised £120m from the sale and leaseback of the site

A Frasers Group spokesperson said: "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."