PLANNING PERMISSION GRANTED FOR THE FRIARSGATE DEVELOPMENT IN LICHFIELD CITY CENTRE
New development will create 1,000 jobs and inject millions into the local economy
Planning permission has been granted for the Friarsgate development in Lichfield. The long-awaited regeneration project will create a major new hub for Lichfield City centre, providing new retail, leisure and residential space, while preserving the traditions of the city. HDD act as Development Managers for this U+I scheme.
Located in the heart of the city centre, the development will create a new destination for Lichfield, giving the boost in development and infrastructure that this growing city requires. An extensive consultation process led by U+I helped to build support across the community and culminated in the decision to grant planning permission.
Providing high quality leisure facilities is crucial to the vision for Friarsgate and the new development will deliver a multi-screen cinema complemented by a new gym, up to ten restaurants and approximately 25 shops. The combination of leisure and retail opportunities is expected to increase shopping turnover from £55m to £107m by 2022.
The mixed-use development will offer 82 apartments, 11 townhouses and a brand new landscaped public area for visitors to enjoy. Transport connectivity within Lichfield will benefit from a new bus station, located near to the railway station and 500 safe, accessible car parking spaces.
In total, the Friarsgate project is forecast to create 1,000 new jobs in the community, which equates to 660 full-time equivalent jobs.