Regeneration plans have kickstarted the transformation of Lichfield

Plans have been submitted to demolish a two-storey car park in Lichfield City Centre as part of a major redevelopment scheme.

Last week proposals were submitted by Lichfield District Council to flatten the car park which is situated on Birmingham Road. The site was previously earmarked to become a new shopping and leisure complex before the scheme was shelved.

A Lichfield District Council spokesperson said that planning application was a significant step in the delivery of long-awaited redevelopment in the city centre, which will also see a cinema in the former Debenhams site adjoining the multi-storey facility.

The council’s spokesperson said: ‘The demolition of the car park will mark the start of visible progress on the Birmingham Road site redevelopment which the Litchfield City Centre Masterplan commits to delivering by 2026.

‘Ongoing collaboration with city centre design consultants and potential development partners will incorporate recent feedback from residents to create a city-gateway scheme that the entire community can take pride in.’

In addition to outlining their future plans, the council have also claimed that after the car park is axed, the site will temporarily be used for activities such as an outdoor theatre and cinema before construction begins.

According to results from a survey that was run on behalf of the local authority this year, people in the city said they wanted more activities for young people and families, and stores serving these groups.

Although plans have been submitted to demolish the car park, suggesting people who live or visit the city may struggle, data found that the multi-storey establishment was underutilised, with an average annual capacity of 26%.

However, to ease any concerns residents may have, extra parking spaces will be provided on Frog Lane before any demolition begins, if approval is granted.

Image: Rumman Amin