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MARKS & SPENCER TO OPEN LARGER FOODHALL IN LICHFIELD

12th July 2017

HDD are acting as Development Managers for U+I in the delivery of the Friarsgate scheme in Lichfield.

 

The property regeneration specialist, U+I, has announced that Friarsgate will feature Marks & Spencer, which will relocate its foodhall into a larger unit within the city centre development.        

This announcement follows the news that The Light Cinema will be opening a seven screen cinema, and the leading food chains Pizza Express, Zizzi, Le Bistrot Pierre, Patisserie Valerie and Starbucks, along with the clothing retailer, Seasalt, will also be setting up shop in the historic city.

Richard Upton, Deputy CEO of U+I, commented:-

“U+I is committed to creating great places and we know that Marks & Spencer is a popular brand with Lichfield shoppers. A larger store will bring even more of the leading retailer’s food range to the city, and will be able to serve even more customers. It is an exciting time for Lichfield, and I am confident that our investment in the city will generate new jobs and growth for the area, which has always been a key objective for the Friarsgate development.”

Rob Morray, Head of Property Planning at Marks & Spencer, said:-

“We’re really pleased that by moving to a larger store we’ll be able to offer our loyal customers a better in-store experience – with more products and a bigger team to serve them.”

Further top name retail lettings are also in the pipeline and these will be announced in the coming months.   In total, Friarsgate is expected to bring between 8 to 10 food and drink establishments and up to 25 shops, 82 apartments and 11 townhouses to the city centre.

The development will create a seamless link into Three Spires Shopping Centre and encourage increased footfall into the historic parts of the city centre.   The mix of uses is designed to increase retail activity and dwell time within the city. This in turn will help retain existing shoppers and also attract new shoppers and visitors, which will benefit the wider retail and leisure offer in Lichfield. This combination is expected to increase the city’s shopping turnover from £55m to £107m by 2022 and is forecast to create 660 new full-time equivalent jobs for the area.

Councillor Mike Wilcox, Leader of Lichfield District Council, said:-

“With every new letting that’s signed, the city gets closer to realising a scheme that will undoubtedly attract more visitors to Lichfield. With even more big names set to be announced soon, we’re pleased the development is progressing and plans are really taking shape.”

The development will also enhance transport connectivity to Lichfield, delivering a new bus station near to the railway station, as well as 475 safe and accessible car parking spaces. It will complement the existing retail, leisure and residential offering whilst preserving the historical and traditional feel of the city.   For more information about Friarsgate please visit www.visitfriarsgate.co.uk